Working to create new lobster markets for Maine fishermen.mlcalliance.org/pdf/newsletter-june-2015.x14104.pdf · Census Bureau’s foreign trade division. “Th at’s pretty signifi

June 2015 | Vol. 23, No. 6

Page 2

COASTAL OUTLOOKTh oughts from the MLCA president

Page 3

GUEST COLUMNLobster outlook positive in 2015

Page 5

NEW LEADERSTravis Otis, Searsport

Pages 6-9

NEWS FROM THE MLA

Page 16

AUSTRALIA & MAINE

Page 18

NEFMC HABITAT AMENDMENT UPDATE

Page 21

DMR ADJUDICATION REPORT

Page 22

IN THE NEWS

Page 24

TRAINING FOR THE UNEXPECTED

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Continued on page 19


Working to create new lobster markets for Maine fishermen.


By Melissa Waterman

In a global economy where huge numbers of products fl y from country to

country every minute of every day, having enough available for customers at

any time is critical to a company’s success. But what if the product you are

shipping is alive, like a lobster? How can a seafood business ensure that it will

have enough live lobster available when an order for 10,000 or 20,000 pounds

comes in? You can’t just run down to the local wharf and haul in a few crates.

by James McCarthy

First published May 4 by Mainebiz. Reprinted with permission.

Seafood was Maine’s leading export in 2014, with its total value of $456.67 mil-

lion topping the No. 2 export commodity of paper and pulp products by almost

$100 million. And the biggest driver of seafood’s rise to the top of the s tate’s

export commodity chart, says Jeff rey Bennett of the Maine International Trade

Center, is that tasty two-clawed crustacean harvested by hundreds of inde-

pendent fi shermen in the Gulf of Maine, the Maine lobster.

Lobster accounts for almost $366 million of those exports and its overall total

export value increased by a whopping 45.4% between 2013 and 2014 among the

25 countries buying Maine lobsters, according to statistics compiled by the U.S.

Census Bureau’s foreign trade division.

“Th at’s pretty signifi cant for the industry,” says Bennett, MITC’s senior trade

specialist who was part of a Maine delegation touting the state’s iconic lobster

and other seafood products at the world’s largest seafood show in Brussels in

late April. “We’ve seen huge growth in Asia.”

To prove Bennett’s point, one could start off by visiting Tom Adams at his four-

year-old Maine Coast Shellfi sh distribution and processing plant in York. Located

less than two miles from Exit 7 on the Maine Turnpike, the 16,000-square-foot

plant features four holding tanks capable of storing up to 150,000 pounds of live

lobster in circulated, fi ltered and chilled natural ocean water. Th ere’s an atmos-

phere of friendly effi ciency, as workers wearing rubber gloves and overalls hoist

totes of lobsters out of the tanks, sort them by weight in a climate-controlled

By Nancy Griffi n

Th e majestic humpback whale has been considered endangered for

nearly 45 years. As a result of new research and a comprehensive sta-

tus review, scientists now understand that there are many distinct

populations of humpback whales and a majority of them are actually

thriving. As a result, NOAA Fisheries is recommending that many of

them be taken off the Endangered Species Act (ESA) list.

“Because of a lot of science, we have reevaluated and now believe there

are 14 distinct population segments (DPS) of humpbacks,” said David

Gouveia, chief of the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation

Program for NOAA Fisheries. Previously, NOAA had considered the

status of the humpback whale globally, so no matter how well some

LOBSTER INFRASTRUCTURE: HOLDING CAPACITY IS THE NAME

OF THE GAME

EXPORTS BOOST LOBSTER: DEMAND FROM ASIA BOOSTING

SALES

HUMPBACK WHALE MAY BE DE-LISTED

Tanks hold hundreds of lobster crates at Island Seafood. Photo courtesy

of Island Seafood.

NOAA photo.

Page 2 | LANDINGS | June 2015

President’sNOTES

COASTAL OUTLOOK Th oughts from MLCA President Patrice McCarron

Board of Directors

David Cousens, Chairman

James Dow, Vice Chairman

Elliott Th omas, Treasurer

William Brennan

Amy Lent

Kristan Porter

Staff

President:

Patrice McCarron

Landings Editor:

Melissa Waterman

Executive Assistant:

Sarah Paquette

Landings is published monthly.

It is provided for free to all

Maine lobstermen thanks to the

support of newsletter sponsors.

Th is month’s edition is sponsored

by Linda Bean’s Maine Lobster.

Community Alliance

P.O. Box 315

Kennebunk, ME 04043

207-967-6221

www.mlcalliance.org

MLCAlliance is a 501 (c) (3) non-

profi t organization, established in

2010, which achieves its charita-

ble mission through programs in

education, research and charity.

People outside of the lobster industry view lobster fi shing

as a romantic occupation: hardy men facing the mighty sea

to wrestle a living from Nature. Few view lobster fi shing as

a business. Of course Mother Nature has a lot to do with

the success of that business, but so too do the multitude

of systems in place to get the lobster from the trap to the

table.

In this issue of Landings, we look at diff erent aspects of the

business of lobstering. With the dramatic upturn in lobster

landings in recent years, fi nding space to store all those live

lobsters prior to shipping them has become a key factor

in the fi shery’s success. Where once lobsters were stored

in natural tidal pounds, now many large seafood fi rms use

giant high technology indoor tanks to keep the crusta-

ceans cool and comfortable. Others use a combination of

tidal pounds and “closed” systems to ensure that they have

enough lobsters at any one time to meet a client’s order.

John Sackton, publisher of SeafoodNews.com and a long-

time observer of the nation’s seafood industry, comments

in this issue on consolidation among lobster dealers. As he

notes, the trend toward consolidation refl ects the chang-

ing stature of lobster among international markets. While

once lobster occupied a small niche in those markets,

overshadowed by other items such as shrimp, now it has

become a more-desired item, particularly among Chinese

consumers.

Th e growth in demand has led to a remarkable surge in ex-

ports of Maine lobster. Landings reprints an article from a

recent issue of Mainebiz which reported that the value of

Maine lobster exports jumped by 45.4% from 2013 to 2014.

For that period, lobster accounted for $366 million of the

total $456.67 million of seafood exported from Maine. Th e

article focuses on the successful story of Tom Adams, presi-

dent of Maine Coast Shellfi sh in York, whose young company

is capitalizing on the expanding markets for Maine lobster.

Cutler lobsterman Kristan Porter recently traveled to

Australia to educate their lobster industry on Maine’s long-

standing lobster management and sustainability practices.

Porter was fi rst introduced to the Australian lobster fi shery

during the MLA’s International Lobstermen’s Exchange.

Since then, he has maintained that connection and con-

tinued to share information on strategies to reduce whale

entanglement and Maine’s lobster conservation practices.

Christina Lemieux, an advertising executive born into a

Cutler lobstering family, also investigates the growing ap-

peal of Maine lobster, this time from the point of view of the

young “Millennial” generation. She attributes some of that

appeal to the provenance of the lobster, the romantic angle

that so many associate with the fi shery. Recognizing that

a real person caught the lobster and knowing something

about that person’s life and fi shery adds tremendously to

the Maine lobster “brand,” argues Lemieux.

Landings continues to feature the people and places of

Maine that make its coast so interesting. Joe Cyr, for ex-

ample, is a fourth-generation lobsterman from Chebeauge

Island in Casco Bay. His grandfather taught him how to be a

good fi sherman and inadvertently led him into his favorite

hobby, bodybuilding. Joe won the Mr. Maine bodybuilding

title in 1991 and, as you will see, still keeps himself in top

shape. Th ere is hope that the Cyr family’s fi shing tradition

will continue for a fi fth generation, since Cyr’s son now has

his apprentice license.

Travis Otis of Searsport, one of the young lobstermen

who took part in the Lobster Leadership Institute in 2014,

keeps himself very busy. He and his father build boats at

the family business, he serves as assistant harbormaster in

Searsport, conducts samples for the Department of Marine

Resources, and is the vice-president of the Maine Lobster

Boat Racing Association. Otis is dedicated to his fi shery

and his town and is also mentoring his young niece, age 9,

who just recently got her own lobster license.

Lobster fi shing is conducted under an array of state and

federal regulations. Among the most onerous are those re-

lated to endangered whales. So, as we report in this issue,

it has come as a happy surprise that the National Marine

Fisheries Service may soon take humpback whales off the

Endangered Species Act list. While a few of the population

segments are struggling, humpbacks have seen an impres-

sive resurgence globally.

Landings also features a summary of the recent actions

of the New England Fisheries Management Council to

designate special habitat protection areas in the Gulf of

Maine. While the Council’s recommendations must be ap-

proved by NOAA Fisheries, the recommendations include

the small Eastern Gulf of Maine closure and protections

on Jeff reys Bank, Cashes and the Western Gulf of Maine

(WGOM). How ever, the Council has recommended an ex-

emption for shrimp trawlers in the northwestern corner of

the WGOM closure.

And the NOAA Fisheries Observer Program will be increas-

ing the federal observer coverage in the Maine lobster fi sh-

ery. Th is program is separate from Maine DMR’s lobster sea

sampling program. Vessels chosen for this program are re-

quired to carry an observer, and must have a Coast Guard

safety decal.

Finally, Landings checks in with Jim Manning, oceanog-

rapher at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, on how

buoys from Maine’s lobster industry wash up on the shores

of Scotland and Ireland. As it turns out, if a buoy hits the

Gulf Stream, it is well on its way to the British Isles.

We hope you enjoy this issue, and as always, we welcome

your feedback.

Send your support to:

Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance | P.O. Box 315 | Kennebunk, Maine | 04043 | www.mlcalliance.org

The MLCA invites you to support Maine’s lobster industry. Donations of $25 or more include a subscription to Landings.

MLCA fosters thriving coastal

communities and preserves

Maine’s lobstering heritage

Name Address City, State, Zip Email Phone Credit Card # Expiration Security Code

Donation $ Please note amount. Check or credit card accepted.

MLCA is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit charitable organization.

Get noticed in

LANDINGS!

2015 Advertising Rates

Full page (10 x 14.65 inches) $945

Half page (10 x 7.35 inches) $500

Quarter page (4.9 x 7.35 inches) $280

Eighth page (4.9 x 3.5 inches) $165

Business Card (3.5 x 2 inches) $55

Color ads are an additional $75. Discount for

multi-month commitment.

Th e advertising deadline is the second Monday of each month.

Please contact Melissa Waterman

([email protected] or 967-6221) for more information.

Editor’s note: In the previous issue we misspelled the artist Orly Genger’s name. We regret the error.

June 2015 | LANDINGS | Page 3


By John Sackton

Th e multi-year high points of lobster landings are continuing both in Maine

and Canada. Maine lobster landings were 123.6 million pounds in 2014, mak-

ing this the fi rst time in more than 100 years of records that landings have

exceeded 100 million pounds four years in a row.

Canada

Canada’s landings will be about 185 million pounds for 2015, probably a record.

Landings for southwestern Nova Scotia (Lobster Fishing Areas 33 and 34 from

Halifax to Yarmouth and the Bay of Fundy) were the highest in over 200 years

of record keeping. About 13 million pounds were landed on the south coast of

Nova Scotia, and 55 million pounds in the winter fi shery in LFA 34 (Yarmouth)

from November to May.

Meanwhile, the May and June season in the Gulf of St. Lawrence was delayed by

11 days due to heavy ice in local harbors, but fi shing has now started. Canner

prices in PEI were around $4.25/pound ($CA), with markets at $4.75 CA.

Th e most important thing to happen in lobster markets this month was the

lack of heavy landings in Canada prior to Mother’s Day. Traditionally this holi-

day kicks off the Canadian sales season for live lobster but this year the fi shery

was too late. As a result, many packers are having to fi nd additional customers

for the lobsters that they otherwise would have sold on Mother’s Day.

Because prices were very high over the spring, there was not much inventory.

But since May 12th, prices have been dropping like a rock. Th is is a normal

seasonal adjustment, perhaps accelerated by the lack of sales on Mother’s Day.

Maine

So what is the outlook in Maine? One of the biggest changes in recent years

has been the growth of lobster processing in Maine. Th is has attracted a lot of

deep-pocketed companies, like Mazzetta, the largest shrimp importer in the

U.S.; Chicken of the Sea, owned by Th ai Union, which has taken over Orion;

and Harbor Seafood. Th ey are competing with established Maine companies

like East Coast/ Paturel.

Th is increase in processing capacity will force processors to bid for lobster sup-

ply and will help stabilize the price.

Despite the overwhelming presence of

the lobster industry in Maine, in the

global seafood market North American

lobster has been a niche player until re-

cently. Th e sale of Orion marks a turn-

ing point in the industry, because it

shows that lobster is becoming more of

a mainstream seafood product rather

than a niche product.

Most Maine lobsters were sold to the

tourist trade, and most Canadian

frozen lobsters were sold to Darden

Restaurants, Las Vegas casinos and

other big North American buyers.

Th is changed after the fi nancial crisis

of 2009. With the fi nancial collapse, the

lobster market also collapsed. Th at led

to a period of extremely low prices that

ended up attracting a number of new users and buyers to lobster. Many res-

taurants that never would have thought of using lobster began to do so. Over

time, this expansion of the market helped to correct the price, and prices began

moving up again.

Asia

At the same time, the Australian spiny lobster fi shery, which had been the

key supplier of lobsters to China, suff ered a big drop in production. It sent the

Chinese looking for new sources, and they began buying North American lobster.

At fi rst it was a hard sell. Th e Chinese prize lobster as a “dragon prawn” as the

dragon is the most prestigious creature in Chinese culture. But North American

lobster had claws, unlike spiny lobster. And the Chinese did not know what

to do with them. Instead of reminding them of a dragon, the North American

lobster reminded them of a crab. Th is led to it being sold at a lower price than

spiny lobster, which still persists today.

But just as the low prices in 2009-2010 expanded the U.S. market, the lower

prices in China drastically expanded the Chinese market. In 2014, for the fi rst

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GUEST COLUMN: Lobster outlook positive, consolidation taking placeGuestCOLUMN



their desire for a provenance story – a

story of the craft, authenticity, and per-

sonality of the place and people behind

the things they buy.

I’ve worked in advertising my entire

adult life so I have long known that

telling a story can impact the value of

a brand. In my opinion, there truly has

never been a more perfect time to tell

the story of the Maine lobster. Th e trend

among consumers to focus on the herit-

age and human touch behind products

is having a massive impact on the food

industry. As concisely articulated in

a recent Financial Times article titled

“Craft versus Kraft,” not only is the food

landscape “changing to natural, organic,

protein and non-processed foods,” it has

also become increasing important for

food companies “to tell consumers an

interesting story … narratives [that] give brands the coveted – and elusive –

quality of authenticity.”

Despite a rebounding economy, some of America’s most major food compa-

nies are losing sales while smaller businesses, with a more authentic product

and the marketing savvy to tell that product’s story, are growing by leaps and

bounds. For example, Campbell Soup Company’s market share slumped by

6.6% between 2005 and 2014 while Amy’s Kitchen, a family-run, organic soup

company, has more than doubled its market share in the same period. General

Mills was so keen to add an authentic, organic food company to its existing rep-

ertoire of brands that it forked out $820 million in cash for Annie’s Homegrown.

Berkeley-based Annie’s has spent years focusing its marketing materials on the

story behind its food, from the farm on which the ingredients are grown sus-

tainably to their health benefi ts.

Th us far telling the story behind Maine lobster has been done at an individual

level. Luke Holden’s urban lobster eateries, Luke’s Lobsters, don’t just sell lob-

Christina Lemieux grew up in

a Cutler lobstering family. She

is now an advertising executive

based in London. Photo cour-

tesy of C. Lemieux.

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GUEST COLUMN: Advertising in an Age of AuthenticityGuestCOLUMN

By Christina Lemieux

“How many did you catch today?” A voice with a thick New York accent called

down to my father and me from the top of the wharf as we stood aboard our

boat, crating and weighing the lobsters from that day’s fi shing. “Is it danger-

ous out there?” enquired his female companion. My father gave me a knowing

smile.

Questions from “fl atlanders” were a frequent and often entertaining addition

to the process of unloading our catch during the summers when I worked as

sternman with my dad. We didn’t get many tourists in Cutler, but those who

came usually found their way onto the wharf, eager to strike up a conversa-

tion. Oblivious to a lobsterman’s desire for discretion, they would ask about the

quantity of traps we fi shed and the volume of lobsters we caught. Th ey would

enquire about how many weeks we’d been out at sea or whether we took all our

traps up at night. Some questions were indiscreet, others were amusing and

many were mundane, but they all pointed toward an intense eagerness to learn

the story behind Maine’s most famous fi shing industry.

Like many girls along the coast of Downeast Maine, I grew up with my name on

the side of my father’s lobster boat. Unlike most girls at the time, I also worked

on that boat. I stuff ed bait bags and banded lobster every summer and school

break from the age of 10 until I graduated from college. It gave me an intimate

knowledge of the art of lobster fi shing and also insight into how fascinated

people are by lobster fi shing. I carried this knowledge with me when I left rural

Maine and embarked on a career in advertising. My city coworkers and friends

showed the same fascination with my lobstering heritage as did the tourists on

the docks of Cutler. Over the years I have served many friends freshly FedEx’d

Maine lobster. While they’ve always delighted in such a delicious dinner, it is

clear to me that what has really made the meal special to them is the idea of

eating seafood prepared by someone with a direct link to the source.

In Maine, lobstering is such a way of life that we take for granted the intimate

connection we have with the sea. Beyond Maine, especially in city centers con-

structed of concrete and steel, the concept of wrestling one’s living from a wild

and unforgiving ocean is exotic and intriguing, as is the idea that one’s work

day can be dictated by the wind and the tides. Th e vast majority of Americans

have never met a lobsterman. Few have had the experience of harvesting their

own meals. As the world becomes increasingly globalized and urban, so does


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By Melissa Waterman

On this cool day in mid-May, Travis

Otis is wearing a fl annel shirt and

jeans as he walks around the boat

yard at Otis Enterprises in Searsport.

Th e black fl ies had just begun to ap-

pear over the weekend so Otis is

pleased by the cool weather. He ges-

tures to his 36-foot Northern Bay lob-

ster boat behind him and several oth-

er boats on cradles in the yard. “Time

to get these in the water,” he says.

Otis, age 33, has a multi-faceted work

life. During the winter he works with

his father, Keith, building and repair-

ing commercial and recreational

boats. When spring comes around,

he gets ready to set his traps in up-

per Penobscot Bay. He recently was

hired as the assistant harbormas-

ter for Searsport. And throughout

the year, Otis, who is vice-president

of the Maine Lobster Boat Racing

Association, is busy preparing for the

upcoming season of lobster boat rac-

ing.

Taking part in the Lobster Leadership

Institute last year seemed a natural

thing to do, according to Otis. “It’s

my industry. I build boats and fi sh

myself,” he said. “I was interested to

see what happens to the lobsters af-

ter I sell them.” He studied marine

biology at Maine Maritime Academy

and has a strong curiosity about

what goes on in the bay. “I’m part of

the ventless trap program [run by the

Department of Marine Resources]

this year. And I’m doing the samples

for the closed area at the mouth of

the river.” Th e DMR closed a small

area of Penobscot Bay to lobster and

crab fi shing last year due to mercury

contamination. Otis sets traps for

the DMR which then tests the lob-

ster and crab tissues to get a better

understanding of contaminant levels

throughout the year.

Building boats, fi shing for lobsters,

conducting scientifi c sampling: it

all makes sense to Otis. He uses a

boatbuilding analogy to explain.

“Boatbuilding changes the way you

look at things. You have to have a

systems mentality. To get to some-

thing good you have to think about

it sequentially, how to get to that

end. Lobstering is like that too.” As a

lobsterman in Searsport, Otis must

carefully think ahead. Th ere is no bait

facility in town or a handy buyer for

his lobsters. “I have to plan a day to

get my bait, then bring it back, re-

pack it and so forth. I have to hustle.”

He fi shes in-shore, about 20 miles

down the bay, and sells his catch to

Young’s in Belfast or Wyman Seafood

in Stockton Springs.

Otis enjoyed lobstering with the

fi shermen on Prince Edward Island

last spring as part of the Lobster

Leadership Institute program. Like

other participants, he learned that

what he considered normal prac-

tice was not the case in Canada.

“Th e guys on P.E.I. had a log book for

each trap. Th ey took a temperature

reading. We went out one day and

got 1,400 pounds. Th e next day we

got nothing. Turns out the bottom

temperature had dropped 5 degrees

overnight,” Otis recalled. As a lobster-

man who has to travel long distances

Travis Otis has been involved in the Maine Lobster Boat Racing Association

since 2001. Currently he is vice-president of the association and the reigning

champion in Diesel Class H. His perspective toward lobster boat racing is a

mix of traditional and more contemporary views. “People ask me ‘What’s the

big deal about lobster boat racing?’ I say it’s like putting NASCAR and a trac-

tor pull together at a family reunion. It’s where the elite and the normal boats

gather,” Otis said.

Some people feel that the fl avor of lobster boat racing in the state changed

sharply in recent decades as more high-powered boats joined the circuit.

Boats with enormous engines or those that appear to have been designed for

racing, not lobstering, now compete with working lobster boats. “Th e ques-

tion is, are we racing lobster licenses or lobster boats?” Otis said. “It’s com-

plicated. For instance, my fi rst boat, Easy Money, I built it and fi shed it. Th en

someone else bought it and didn’t fi sh. Now someone owns it who has just

fi ve traps. So what is that boat?”

Sometimes those big boats with big engines have mishaps. Many remem-

ber the race in 2001 when Wild Wild West fl ipped during a choppy race off

Searsport. Boat owners do all sorts of things to make their boats go faster,

from the commonsense tactic of cleaning the boat hull of barnacles, to tink-

ering with the fuel mix to get more horsepower.

Otis and his father Keith are proud of the modifi cations they have made to

his lobster boat, First Team. Otis maintains that during the lobster races par-

ticipants can get “very aggressive,” but that afterwards people remain friend-

ly. “You are mostly in it for the bragging rights,” he said.

Th is year Searsport returns to the racing circuit after renovations to the

town dock were completed. “I think this year there will be a lot more local

participants,” Otis said. “Th e younger guys may come in because they had a

good year last year.” In past years when fuel prices were low, lobstermen from

far- fl ung harbors would go to races throughout the coast. When fuel prices

jumped during the 2000s, many chose to stay put or just participate in the

races in their area. “Places like Winter Harbor, they always have large local

participation from all the harbors around there, plus they have good prizes,”

Otis said. “And Stonington, too, because they’re an all commercial fl eet.”

to get his bait, he appreciated the

Canadian lobstermen’s baiting hab-

its. “Th ey put one fi sh in a trap. And

they catch their own bait. Th ey move

just ridiculously slowly compared to

me,” he said. “Some guys, though will

fi sh through all their traps in a day

and then do it again!”

Getting consumers to recognize

Maine lobster and and call for it

by name also makes good sense

to Otis. But he is cautious about

how the Maine Lobster Marketing

Collaborative will go about accom-

plishing that goal. “I think they have

potential as long as they don’t mire

themselves in the old way of think-

ing that there is one silver bullet that

will solve all our problems,” he said.

“We are sending our best lobster out

into the world but I don’t think we’ve

used our domestic markets as well as

we can. You can ship new-shell lob-

ster successfully. We just have to treat

them much better.”

Lobstering in the Otis family is not

just for the men. Otis mentions

proudly that his eldest niece just got

her license at age 9. “I gave her ten

traps that she’s going to re-rig. So

next thing she says to me, ‘When are

you going to build me a boat?’ It’s the

heritage, it’s what we have here,” Otis

said.

by Melissa Waterman

In this series we continue our profi les of some of the young men and women who

took part in the Maine Lobstermen’s Community Alliance’s inaugural Lobster

Leadership Institute in May, 2014.

Travis Otis before his lobster

boat, First Team, named in hon-

or of his father’s unit in Vietnam.

Photo by M. Waterman.


June is an exciting time for the Maine lobster fi shery. Spring

has fi nally brought warmth and life back to the great out-

doors, the snow is a distant memory, everyone is anxious

for those lazy days of summer and, of course, shedder sea-

son! Th ere is such a sense of excitement for what lies ahead

as you ready those last few traps or buoys, paint those end-

lines, launch your boat, and set traps out for this season.

Th e recent fi ve-year scare that reminded us all of the

sometimes bitter reality and vulnerability of being both

self-employed and dependent on Mother Nature for a liv-

ing has given way to a more pleasant situation, full of the

independence and success this fi shery aff ords us. Th e fear

that gripped so many when the recession hit in 2008 and

was enhanced by the diffi cult and memorable 2012 season

is fi nally a dim memory. Th rough it all, Maine’s lobstermen

survived those trying days through hard work, stubborn-

ness and determination.

And it looks like that pain has paid off . Th e seemingly dis-

mal combination of weak lobster prices and high volume

resulted in a frenzy of growth in the industry. Maine has

seen tremendous private investment and growth in lobster

holding and processing capacity. Th ese were sound invest-

ments as access to large volumes of lobster at aff ordable

prices helped Maine’s dealer and processor network greatly

expand demand and build new markets for Maine lobster.

Th e pieces of the puzzle have been on the table all along

but change does not come easy in the lobster industry. It

took the dramatic spike in landings to serve as a catalyst

for change to happen.

While Maine’s dealers and processors were busy grow-

ing infrastructure and demand for Maine lobster, indus-

try leaders from the Lobster Advisory Council and Maine

Lobstermen’s Association were shoring up the harvest-

ers’ future through establishment of the Maine Lobster

Marketing Collaborative (MLMC). Lobstermen worked

with the Legislature to reinvent and reinvest in the mar-

keting arm of Maine’s lobster industry. And today, targeted

strategic marketing is fi nally happening.

You can sense the excitement and enthusiasm about Maine

lobster right now. We have professionals, namely interna-

tional marketing fi rm Weber Shandwick, charging ahead.

Th e MLMC has identifi ed tremendous market potential to

grow the sales of Maine lobster in the restaurants of the ur-

ban northeast. In addition, there is a growing appetite for

Maine lobster in China and other Asian countries that our

dealers and processors are successfully capitalizing on. We

have a bright future for sure.

Fortunately, Maine lobstermen continue to be excellent

stewards of the resource, holding a shared vision of the

fi shery’s future. Every short lobster, oversize lobster, egg-

bearing female and V-notch lobster that you return to the

sea represents an investment in that future. Consumers

want to know where their food comes from and they par-

ticularly want to know that those who harvest it care about

the resource and the environment. And we do.

Th is industry will always have its ups and downs. Right now,

Maine’s lobster stocks remain sound, providing a remark-

able fi shery to Maine’s commercial lobstermen. Lobsters

continue to provide a respectable living for thousands of

families along the coast, who then support all sorts of other

businesses in their communities. I know of many lobster-

men who have been able to invest in new boats, new traps,

new trucks and other gear this year. Th ese investments

keep both the lobster industry and our communities afl oat.

Being a fi sherman will never be a stress-free job. But for all

the stress and headaches it brings, remember all that you

reap from it and be thankful. 2015 looks like it’s going to be

a great year!

As always, stay safe on the water.

MLA DIRECTORS MEETING

MLA Directors met on May 4 in Belfast. Greg Sirpis,

Chairman of Operation Game Th ief (OGT), discussed OGT’s

mission and accomplishments. OGT was established in

1989 as a tip line for citizens to report hunting and fi shing

violations. Th ey successfully worked with Department of

Inland Fisheries and the Wildlife Warden Service to make

cases against wildlife poachers. Callers who report viola-

tions can remain anonymous and do not have to testify

in court. Many receive rewards of up to $1,000 for infor-

mation that leads to an arrest. Maine Wardens Simmons

and Cross talked about how much it has helped the Maine

Warden Service in making important cases. Joe Fessenden

talked about getting OGT started at Maine Marine Patrol

and how good tips and information will improve Marine

Patrol’s enforcement.

OGT is now available to help Maine Marine Patrol make

cases against commercial and recreational saltwater fi sh-

ing violations. To make a report to the OGT tip line, call

1-800-253-7887 (1-800-ALERT-US) or visit the OGT website

for more information: www.maineogt.org.

Joe Fessenden raised the issue of the challenge facing

Marine Patrol in making cases against violators, particu-

larly in off shore waters. He suggested the MLA consider

how VMS might aid in stopping violators. MLA Directors

voiced frustration that some lobstermen get away with

breaking the law. Th ey would like to see eff ective enforce-

ment against those who fi sh their 80 replacement tags as

part of their trap limit, those who fi sh hundreds of traps

over the limit, and fi sh sunken trawls. Many felt that VMS

could help with this, but it also could be abused. Others

thought a better solution is to stiff en penalties – primarily

through licenses suspension so that it would be too risky

to break the law.

Bob Baines engaged the Directors in a discussion over op-

tions for the MLA vessel insurance program. MLA’s execu-

tive committee will follow-up.

Patrice provided an update on the status of lobster bills in

the Legislature. Th e Marine Resources Committee spent

a lot of time debating how to tackle reform of the lob-

ster licensing system. Th ey are concerned about the long

waiting list and latent eff ort. Th e Committee intends to

take action on these issues next session, based on legis-

lation to be submitted by Maine DMR following a round

of Commissioner’s meetings with the lobster industry in

August and September.

Th e whale rules go into eff ect on June 1; there is an article

and full summary in the May edition of Landings. Th e MLA

submitted comments on a variety of federal and interstate

management actions including the ASMFC shrimp plan,

NEFMC habitat amendment, NOAA proposal to expand

right whale critical habitat, NOAA proposal to amend

whale rules and NOAA draft right whale stock assessment.

In miscellaneous news, Patrice and David met in May with

Vinalhaven lobstermen to discuss the whale rules and oth-

er issues. Th e NOAA vessel Ferdinand Hassler is fi nishing

its survey off the York County coast in May. MLA staff are

preparing for the membership renewal and member drive

this summer.

MARINE MAMMAL COMMISSION ANNUAL MEETING

MLA’s Director, Patrice McCarron, traveled to South

Carolina to speak on a panel at the Marine Mammal

Commission’s Annual meeting. McCarron’s presentation

focused on the diversity of Maine’s lobster fi shery and the

complexity of fi nding solutions to the entanglement issue.

Maine Lobstermen’s Association

•••

President: David Cousens So. Th omaston, 207.594.75181st VP: Jim Dow Bass Harbor, 207.288.98462nd VP: Kristan Porter Cutler, 207.259.3306Sec/Treasurer: Arnold Gamage, Jr. So. Bristol, 207.644.8110

DirectorsBob Baines, Spruce Head, 596.0177Dwight Carver, Beals, 497.2895Gerry Cushman, Port Clyde, 372.6429Dustin Delano, Monhegan, 542.7241Robert Ingalls, Bucks Harbor, 255.3418 Mark Jones, Boothbay, 633.6054Jason Joyce, Swan’s Island, 526.4109Jack Merrill, Islesford, 244.4187Tad Miller, Matinicus, 372.6941Willis Spear, Yarmouth, 846.9279Jay Smith, Nobleboro, 563.5208Craig Stewart, Long Island, 829.2109Elliott Th omas, Yarmouth, 846.6201John Williams, Stonington, 367.2731Donald Young, Cushing, 354.6404Jack Young, Vinalhaven, 863.4905

Staff •••

Executive Director Patrice McCarron [email protected]

NavigatorApril Gilmore [email protected]

Executive AssistantSarah [email protected]

Maine Lobstermen’s Association

203 Lafayette CenterKennebunk, ME 04043

[email protected]

www.mainelobstermen.org

Board of Directors’ meeting schedule

All meetings take place at Darby’s Restaurant,

Belfast.

June 3, 5 p.m.

July 1, 5 p.m.

Advocating for a sustainable lobster resource

and the fi shermen and communities that depend

on it since 1954.

STEAMING AHEAD

MAINE LOBSTERMEN’S ASSOCIATION UPDATE



Continued on page 8

She emphasized that since so little is known about how and where whales in-

teract with and become entangled in fi shing gear, it is extremely diffi cult to fi nd

eff ective solutions. Th e Marine Mammal Commission is an independent agen-

cy of the U.S. Government, established under the Marine Mammal Protection

Act to provide oversight of the marine mammal conservation policies and pro-

grams being carried out by federal regulatory agencies.

LOBSTER ADVISORY COUNCIL

Th e Lobster Advisory Council (LAC) met on May 12. More than half the mem-

bers of the Marine Resources Committee attended as well, including the two

chairs, and four students from the Eastern Maine Skippers program.

In its fi rst order of business, the LAC elected Josh Miller of Tenants Harbor as

Chair and Jeff Putnam of Chebeague as Vice-Chair. Bob Baines was thanked for

his nine years of service as LAC Chair.

Deirdre Gilbert updated the LAC on the status of legislation aff ecting lobster-

men: three bills have passed (LD 98 increasing Swans Island trap limit; LD 1038

clarifying DMR’s emergency rulemaking authority to comply with federal and

interstate management plans; LD 1233 which includes a permanent license

revocation for scrubbing lobsters); two bills were carried over (LD 427 to miti-

gate plastic pollution and LD 493 to establish an Ocean Acidifi cation Council);

fi ve bills were killed (LD 490 to extend lobstering hours, LD 491 to allow 65 year

olds a reduced fee license, LD 492 to expand eligibility for veterans, LD 563 to

address latent eff ort, LD 1016 to allow retired marine patrol offi cers two fi shing

licenses); and two bills have a divided report (LD 896 to allow family transfer of

lobster licenses and LD 1026 to keep email addresses confi dential).

Commissioner Keliher informed the LAC that the DMR and the Governor are

committed to dealing with issues of latency of entry into the lobster fi shery. He

will hold at least 10 meetings during August and September to talk to lobster-

men about these issues. DMR will submit legislation to address entry issues in

late fall for debate during the second Legislative session.

Deirdre Gilbert presented a proposed timeline for the development of the

Lobster Fishery Management Plan (FMP) and draft goals and objectives for

discussion. Th e goals and objectives are purposely broad, to give the industry a

lot of discretion in how the plan is developed and implemented. DMR stressed

that this is an evolving “guidance document” which has no authority on its

own. Th e LAC talked about the FMP at length. Members were concerned about

how to keep the industry fully engaged in the process and specifi cally about the

proposal to include economic considerations as a goal of the plan. Th e FMP

document will be taken to the zone councils in May and June, and come back

to the LAC for further input in September. Th e LAC plans to be very involved in

developing recommendations to achieve the plan’s goals and objectives.

Commissioner Keliher asked the LAC for feedback on the concept of creat-

ing on off shore lobster zone. He stated that the idea has been raised with the

DMR on several occasions over the past few years. Th ere are several ways to ap-

proach it: creating an off shore zone outside of 12 miles; requiring lobstermen

to declare a home zone where majority of gear would be fi shed; allow license

stacking off shore; require VMS in order to enforce an off shore zone; and others.

At this point, Commissioner Keliher said, it is only a collection of ideas. Th e

LAC did not oppose or support the idea, but stated that it was worth further ex-

ploration and should be discussed at the next round of zone council meetings.

Commissioner Keliher also asked for feedback on the concept of requiring dou-

ble tagging in all zones of all gear fi shed outside of a declared home zone. Th e

state continues to have complaints from Zone E, B and C on excessive amounts

of gear from other zones being fi shed over the line. Currently, some areas have

double tagging while others do not. Th e LAC urged the Commissioner to ex-

plore the possibility of double tagging to apply state-wide in order to aid en-

forcement and have a fair and consistent standard across all lobster zones.

DMR will add this to the agenda for the next round of zone council meetings to

solicit more feedback.

Kathleen Reardon presented new data showing that bio panels are not working

as well as intended. Th e ferrous hog rings used to secure bio panels in lobster

traps are not degrading when the traps are lost and remain underwater. It turns

out that they need air to weaken, so many lobster traps continue to fi sh long

after they are lost. Several LAC members indicated that the soft wood lathes

used by some as bio panels also last for a very long time. Scientists are looking

at other techniques to create bio panels that would allow bycatch to escape in

a reasonable amount of time if gear is lost.

Th e LAC nominated two individuals, Albert Carver and Annie Tselikis, to

fi ll an opening for a dealer/processor seat on the Maine Lobster Marketing

Collaborative (MLMC) Board because Emily Lane of Calendar Islands Lobster

has termed out. Th e nominations will go to the Commissioner who makes the

fi nal decision. Matt Jacobson, Director of the MLMC, provided an update on

recent activities. He noted that the MLMC has hired the advertising fi rm Weber

Shandwick. Th e fi rst priority was to gather market research which will serve

to focus MLMC’s marketing eff orts over the next few years. Marketing will fo-

cus on the restaurant sector because 85% of all seafood is eaten in restaurants.

Weber Shandwick will focus on promoting Maine new shell lobster to gener-

ate interest when supply is at its peak; this eff ort will take place primarily on

the East Coast since research shows that Maine lobster appears on only 4% of

East Coast menus. Th e update was well received by the LAC, which thanked

Jacobson for the tremendous progress that has been made.

Carl Wilson and Kathleen Reardon provided a science update. Kathleen at-

tended the zone council meetings this winter to keep the industry informed

on the status of the DMR’s lobster monitoring programs. Th e lobster stock as-

sessment will be peer reviewed in June, and available in August. Carl has been

promoted to head of the DMR’s Science Bureau, and DMR is in the process of

hiring a new lead lobster biologist.

Colonel Cornish provided an enforcement update. In March, Rene Cloutier was

promoted to Major and now serves as second-in-command to Colonel Cornish,

who was promoted to Colonel in January, 2015. Dan White, who has served

as a Sergeant in the Maine Marine Patrol since 2011, has been promoted to

Lieutenant of Division I. He replaces Major Cloutier. Marine Patrol has hired 12

new people over the past two years.

Marine Patrol is shifting resources towards the east, since ¾ of all cases now

occur in Division II. DMR is looking at the possibility of acquiring a small 32-

foot workboat for enforcement in the Stonington area. 2015 Lobster trap tags

must be in traps by June 1.

Deputy Commissioner Mendelson informed the LAC of an upcoming public

hearing on the proposed Beals Harbor/Pig Island Gut Channel dredging project..

She stated that the water quality application for the Searsport dredging project

is expected to be complete soon; DMR will hold a public hearing once that happens.

PROTECTED RESOURCES RULEMAKING (DMR, CHAPTER 75)

Th e Maine Department of Marine Resources has proposed regulatory changes

to comply with the federal vertical line regulations (otherwise known as the

“whale rules”) which go into eff ect on June 1.. Th e new whale rules require

a minimum number of lobster traps per trawl based on the diff erent lobster

zones and distance from shore to reduce the number of buoy lines in the water

column. Th e various changes apply to areas of Maine’s Pocket Waters, inside

the Maine Sliver Area and federal waters. Th e DMR is adopting additional gear

marking, a new 6-mile line, minimum trawl lengths and some island buff ers in

regulation for compliance and consistency with the federal whale rules.

NEW ENGLAND COUNCIL COMPLETES SCOPING ON HERRING PLAN

Th e New England Fisheries Management Council (NEFMC) recently complet-

ed a public scoping process to get input from the public on Amendment 8 to

the Herring Plan. Th e purpose of this amendment is to address the biological

needs of the Atlantic herring resource as well as the ecological importance of

Atlantic herring to the region in a manner that is consistent with the require-

ments and intent of the federal law. Th e Council has directed that the amend-

ment consider the importance of Atlantic herring as a forage species, so the

amendment will consider a wide range of alternatives for how much of the her-

ring resource should be allocated to the commercial fi shery. After information

is gathered through the Amendment 8 scoping process, the amendment’s goals

and objectives and a range of alternatives will be developed and public meet-

ings scheduled in late 2015. An Environmental Impact Statement will be devel-

oped and public feedback solicited in 2016; the fi nal plan could be eff ective for

the 2017 fi shing year.

ASMFC SPRING MEETING ROUNDUP

Herring Section — Days Out

Th e Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) Atlantic Herring

Section set the “days out” eff ort control measures for the 2015 Area 1A Trimester

2 (June - September). From June 1 through July 5, vessels may land herring fi ve

days a week on Monday through Friday. From July 6 through September 30, ves-

sels may land seven days a week until further notice.

By starting with fi ve landings days and then adjusting to seven days per week

during Trimester 2, the quota is projected to be caught close to the end of that

trimester. Landings will be monitored closely and the fi shery will be closed

when the trimester’s quota is projected to be reached.

In 2015, Area 1A has a 30,290 metric ton (mt) annual catch limit after adjusting

for a carryover from 2013, 295 mt fi xed gear set-aside, and 3% research set-aside.

Th e Section allocated 72.8%of the quota to Trimester 2. Th e Atlantic Herring

Section is scheduled to reconvene via conference calls to review the fi shing ef-

fort and adjust landing days as necessary on on Monday, June 29 at 10 a.m.and

Th ursday, July 30. To join the call, dial 888.394.8197 and enter passcode 499811.


MLA continued from page 7

Atlantic Herring Section

Th e ASMFC’s Atlantic Herring Section has approved Draft Amendment 3 to the

Interstate Atlantic Herring Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for public com-

ment. Draft Amendment 3 was initiated to strengthen spawning protections in

Area 1A (inshore Gulf of Maine) and address concerns raised by the commer-

cial Atlantic herring industry.

Th e Draft Amendment proposes 1)

changing the spawning monitor-

ing program; 2) removing the fi xed

gear set‐aside rollover provision,

and 3) requiring a vessel’s fi sh hold

to be emptied before leaving on a

fi shing trip. Th e empty fi sh hold

provision is also being addressed

by the NEFMC under Framework

Adjustment 4.

Th e Commission’s Plan

Development Team conducted a

review of the current spawning

monitoring program and recom-

mended new tools and adjust-

ments to improve protection for

spawning fi sh. Th e review revealed

spawning events occur at diff er-

ent times each year and typically

last six weeks. Options include

a new forecast system to allow

fi sheries biologists to pool sam-

ples of herring from Maine and

Massachusetts and project the

date of peak spawning. Options for

adjusting the default closure start dates are based on analysis of spawning data

from the past decade, and provide fl exibility in the proportion of spawning fi sh

protected. Th e Draft Amendment proposes merging the Western Maine (WM)

and Massachusetts‐New Hampshire (MA‐NH) spawning areas because there

have been no signifi cant diff erences in the starting dates of spawning events.

Lastly, an option proposes to extend the closure period in WM‐MA‐NH to six

weeks refl ecting the current characteristics of the rebuilt herring population,.

At the request of the fi shing industry, the Draft Amendment also includes op-

tions to remove the fi xed gear set‐aside provision and establish a requirement

for empty fi sh holds. Currently, 295 mt is set‐aside for the fi xed gear fi shery in

Area 1A until November 1, after which the remaining set‐aside is made avail-

able to all Area 1A gear types. Maine fi xed gear fi shermen have requested ac-

cess to the set‐aside until the overall total allowable landings limit has been

harvested. Draft Amendment 3 also includes a proposal to establish a require-

ment for fi sh holds to be empty of fi sh prior to trip departures. Industry mem-

bers initiated the empty fi sh hold provision because it would prevent mixing of

catch from multiple trips, which can improve catch and bycatch accounting.

In addition, the provision could encourage less wasteful fi shing practices by

creating an incentive to catch amounts of herring as demanded by markets.

States will be conducting public hearings on the Draft Amendment this spring

and summer. Fishermen and other interested groups are encouraged to pro-

vide input on the Draft Amendment either by attending state public hearings

or providing written comment.

American Lobster Board

Th e American Lobster Management Board reviewed issues including the Draft

Jonah Crab FMP, the Draft Addendum XXIV, and the progress of the Lobster

Trap Transfer Database. Th e Draft Jonah Crab FMP, which proposes the fi rst

management measures for the species, was approved for public comment. Th e

document sets goals and objectives, measures for permits including options

for a lobster/crab permit and a crab only permit, spawning stock biomass pro-

tections, non‐trap limits, and data collection elements.

A press release will announce the availability of the document for public com-

ment and public hearing dates and locations. A motion to establish a Jonah

crab fi shery control date immediately was passed; individuals entering the

fi shery after the control date may be treated diff erently than those participat-

ing prior to the control date. Th e Commission will work with NOAA fi sheries to

fi nalize the control date. Th e Jonah Crab Advisory Panel was established with

seven members.

Th e ASMFC’s American Lobster Management Board has approved Addendum

XXIV to Amendment 3 to the Interstate Lobster Fishery Management Plan.

Th e Addendum aligns state and federal trap transfer programs for Lobster

Conservation Management Areas 2, 3, and Outer Cape Cod regarding the con-

servation tax on trap allocations when whole fi shing businesses are trans-

ferred, trap allocation transfer increments, and restrictions on trap allocation

transfers among permit holders who are authorized to fi sh both state and fed-

eral waters (dual permit holders) within a single lobster management area.

Addendum XXIV removes the 10% conservation tax on full business transfers.

Transfer tax on full business transfers was found not to be necessary to prevent

activation of latent eff ort and that current regulations provide suffi cient latent

eff ort controls. Addendum XXIV also specifi es traps shall be transferred in 10-

trap increments in all areas that currently have a trap transferability program,

unless specifi ed otherwise. Th is change allows for fewer traps to be transferred

at one time. Th is repeals restrictions on vessel size and trap allocation transfers

and does not require a permit be retired if the permit holder has less than 50

traps.

Addendum XXIV allows dual permit holders to transfer allocation with dual

permits holders from other states. If a dual permit holder chooses to purchase

a federal trap allocation from a dual permit holder from another state, only the

federal allocation will transfer. Th erefore, the buyer must also purchase state

allocation from a permit holder in their own state to align the federal and state

allocations. If the state and federal allocations do not align, the most restrictive

rule applies. Th e Addendum’s measures are eff ective immediately.

In response to a recommendation from the Fishing for Energy Workshop, the

Board voted to recommend to the ISFMP Policy Board to convene the Gear

Technology Working Group. Th e working group, in conjunct with industry, will

assess the eff ectiveness of ghost panels. An update stated that the Lobster Trap

Transfer Database will be ready for the August and September trap transfer

window. Th e peer-reviewed Lobster Stock Assessment will be presented at the

August meeting.

Th e Board also recommended to the ISFMP Policy Board to have the

Commission send a letter to the NEFMC requesting a prohibition on all bot-

tom-tending mobile gear in Closed Area II from July 15 to October 31. Th is pro-

vision aligns with the language in the groundfi sh and off shore lobster industry

agreement as well as Addendum XX. Th e Commission previously sent com-

ments to NEFMC identifying the importance of the large seasonal migration

of lobster into and out of Closed Area II and the contribution these migrating

lobster have on the overall health of the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank lob-

ster stocks. During the summer and fall months, the abundance of large female

and egg‐bearing lobsters is high (~35% of all egg‐bearing lobster biomass). Th e

Board discussed a motion to initiate the process to develop an addendum to

prohibit all mobile gear in Closed Area II, but this motion was tabled until the

August meeting, which will be held after the NEFMC takes action on Closed

Area II measures in June.

Atlantic Menhaden Board

Th e ASMFC’s Atlantic Menhaden Management Board approved a total allow-

able catch (TAC) for the 2015 and 2016 fi shing seasons at 187,880 mt per year, a

10% increase from the 2014 TAC. Th e increase responds to the positive fi ndings

of the 2015 Atlantic menhaden benchmark assessment which indicates the re-

source is not overfi shed nor experiencing overfi shing relative to the current

biological reference points. Th e TAC will be made available to the states based

on the state‐by‐state allocation established by Amendment 2.

2015 ATLANTIC MENHADEN QUOTAS*

STATE QUOTA (MT) QUOTA (LBS)

ME 73.24 161,466

NH 0.06 123

MA 1,559.74 3,438,630

RI 33.32 73,457

CT 32.45 71,537

NY 103.13 227,365

NJ 20,816.87 45,893,335

DE 24.56 54,153

MD 2,553.08 5,628,568

PRFC 1,154.66 2,545,595

VA 158,700.12 349,873,884

NC 916.55 2,020,645

SC - -

GA - -

FL 33.43 73,695

TOTAL 186,001.20 410,062,453

*Quotas may be adjusted pending fi nal 2014 landings. Total landings after 1% set-aside for episodic events.

Th e Board also committed to moving forward with the development of an

amendment to establish ecological-based reference points that refl ect Atlantic

menhaden’s role as a forage species and changes to the current state‐by‐state

allocation scheme.


Photo by B. Waring


Th e Bait Report

2015 Herring Catch and Quota

Data from the NMFS Weekly Atlan� c Herring report. Quota deduc� ons were made from Herring Areas 1A, 1B, 2, and 3, to account forthe 3-percent Herring Research Set-Aside awarded in 2015. These amounts are:936 mt in Area 1A; 138 mt in Area 1B; 900 mt in Area 2; and 1,260 mt in Area 3.

Area

Area 1A

Area 1B

Area 2

Area 3

Total

Quota(as of 5/22)

0

2,609

11,375

9,082

23,066

% of quota

0 %

53.0 %

35.44 %

20.22 %

22.06%

Dredging Proposals

Beals Harbor and Pig Island Gut

Th e U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has submitted a Congressionally-

authorized dredge project for Beals Harbor. Approximately 100,000 cubic yards

of silty clay material would be removed from an 18.5 acre subtidal area to a

depth of -10 feet MLW. In addition, the USACE proposes a maintenance dredg-

ing project in Pig Island Gut for a 80-foot-wide by 6-foot-deep channel and

anchorage, which would remove 9,000 cubic yards of subtidal material. Maine

DMR is holding a public hearing to solicit feedback on the impacts of this pro-

posed dredge project on the fi shing industry on June 9 at 6 p.m. at the Searsport

High School.

Th e proposed work will be performed by a private contractor, using a mechani-

cal dredge and scow, under contract to the government. Th e dredge material

will be put in a disposal site located east of Mark Island in Chandler Bay. Th e

project is currently estimated to start in October, 2015, and be completed in

March, 2016. Th e DMR held a public meeting in May to get feedback on the

impacts of the proposed dredge on the fi shing industry.

Searsport

Th e USACE has applied for a state Water Quality Certifi cation and Natural

Resources Protection Act Permit to conduct the Searsport Harbor Navigation

Improvement Project. Th e Project would maintain and deepen the existing

entrance channel and turning basin from -35 feet to -40 feet MLLW. Also, the

entrance channel would be widened from 500 feet at its narrowest point to 650

feet and a maneuvering area adjacent to State Pier’s east berth would be cre-

FEDERAL OBSERVER COVERAGE REQUIRED IN MAINE LOBSTER FISHERY

By Glenn Chamberlain, Northeast Fisheries Science Center,

Fisheries Sampling Branch

Everyone is aware that groundfi sh vessels must carry fi sheries observers

aboard to collect data on the catch. But did you know that observers are as-

signed to lobster boats as well?

Th e Northeast Fisheries Observer Program (NEFOP) is a federal observ-

er program run by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center in Woods Hole,

Massachusetts, a part of the National Marine Fisheries Service. Th e program

has been in place since 1989 with a mission to collect, process, and manage

data collected by observers on commercial fi shing vessels. It has contracted

with MRAG Americas to provide fi shing vessel observers.

Lobster pot/trap sampling

Th e primary reason for observer coverage of the lobster pot and trap fi shery

is to sample the lobster catch (kept and discarded) and to sample bycatch

( fi nfi sh, crabs, etc.). Catch data collected by observers include lobster weight,

carapace length, sex, v-notch status, shell condition, and fi nfi sh lengths and

weights. Observers also collect gear confi guration data, haul level data, and

trip level data. How many observers are assigned to how many boats is de-

termined through a process known as the Standardized Bycatch Reporting

Methodology (SBRM). Th e SBRM is evaluated prior to the start of each fi sh-

ing year by the Population Dynamics Branch of the NEFSC and applies to a

range of fi sheries ( for more information, see: http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/fsb/

SBRM/). Th e lobster industry is not required to cover the cost of observers. All

observers carry insurance through their employer, MRAG Americas ( for con-

tact information see: https://www.mragamericas.com/observer-programs/

northeast-fi shery-observer-program/).

UPDATE - Lobster pot/trap sea days 2015-2016

Th e program covered 15 trips in 2012, 30 in 2013, and 55 in 2014 ( from the

Northeast to the Mid-Atlantic). Th is year (2015-2016) the observer program will

cover more sea days for the Maine lobster fi shery than in prior years. Another

change for the 2015-2016 year is that sea days are assigned to each state as op-

posed to specifi c statistical areas. As a result, observed lobster trips will depart

from a wider selection of ports along the Maine coast and will include inshore

and off shore trips.

Th e observer program covers vessels fi shing in state or federal waters under

the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act for boats in possession of a federal

limited access lobster permit (or any federal fi shing permit) and the Marine

Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) for any vessels engaged in a Category I or II

fi shery but not in possession of a federal permit. Th e lobster trap/pot fi shery

has been classifi ed as a Category I fi shery for 2015. Vessels that have a federal

permit but fi sh in state waters could still be selected for coverage by the pro-

vider.

Coverage in future years will depend on data needs and funding available to

meet those needs. Any lobsterman who is interested in taking an observer or

learning more about the program should contact the observer program.

Safety

NEFOP observers complete a 2.5 day safety training course during their initial

training class and are required to participate in regular safety refresher cours-

es. Observers maintain CPR and First Aid certifi cations and are provided with

an immersion suit and PFD. As part of their duties, observers are required to

conduct a vessel safety check before deploying on a trip. Th e observer will ar-

rive at the boat early to complete the check before the vessel departs the dock.

During the safety check, the observer will require crew assistance to check the

vessel’s EPIRB and will also ask to examine the vessel fl ares, life raft, and other

safety gear.

Vessels must have a current U.S. Coast Guard safety decal to carry an observ-

er and may not depart on a trip selected for coverage until the decal is up to

date ( for examiner contact information, see http://www.uscg.mil/D13/CFVS/

DocksideExams.asp). Th is coverage is still new to the fl eet and a number of

boats north of Portland may not have the safety decals yet. MRAG Americas

works with captains of the selected vessels to ensure that they get in touch

with Coast Guard safety examiners in a timely manner. Th e safety examiners

typically will perform the examination within a few weeks once contacted. Th e

boat can continue to fi sh during that time. Th e observer generally contacts the

captain to schedule a trip once the boat has a decal.

For more information, contact Glenn Chamberlain at 508-495-2153, glenn.cham-

[email protected] or Sara Weeks at 508-495-2227, [email protected] Visit

the Fisheries Sampling Branch Web site to view logs, manuals, and protocols used

by observers at www.nefsc.noaa.gov/fsb.

Maine Department of Environmental Protection:

www.maine.gov/dep/land/nrpa/projects/index.html

Army Corps of Engineers, Searsport:

www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/ProjectsTopics/Searsport.aspx

Army Corps of Engineers, Maine projects:

www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/CivilWorks/Navigation/Maine.aspx

Who to Contact?

http://mainelobstermen.org/news-events-reports/searsport-dredge-proposal/

ated. Dredged material would be disposed of at the identifi ed Penobscot Bay

Disposal Site.

For information on the proposed Searsport Dredge Project



ACCOUNTANTS

Back River Financial GroupJohn Hallee690 Maine AveFarmingdale, ME 04344207-622-3772info@backrivergroup.comwww.backrivergroup.comFree initial consultation and review of previ-ous tax returns.

BAIT DEALERS

Bessy Bait LLC2 Mase Rd Hampton , NH 03842 603-300-2846/603-300-2849 [email protected] www.bessybait.com$5 discount per drum on multiple drum pur-chases (must show current MLA card).

Dropping Springs Lobster and BaitAnthony Robinson6A Portland Fish PierPortland, ME 04101207-272-6278; 207-518-9049

Lund’s Fisheries Inc.Wayne Reichle997 Ocean Dr.Cape May, NJ 08204 609-898-5143wreichle@lundsfi sh.comwww.lundsfi sh.com

Purse Line BaitPO Box 276 Sebasco Estates, ME 04565 207-389-9155 [email protected]

BOAT BUILDERS/ BOAT REPAIR

Richard Stanley Custom BoatsPO Box 275Bass Harbor, ME 04653207-244-3795lorraine@richardstanleyboats.comwww.richardstanelycustomboats.com$1,000 off fi nal hull price with MLA member-ship

SW Boatworks Stewart Workman 358 Douglas Highway Lamoine, ME 04605 207-667-7427 [email protected] www.swboatworks.com$1000 discount for hull or top.

EDUCATIONAL & TRADE SHOWS

Penobscot Marine MuseumPO Box 498, 5 Church StSearsport, ME 04974 207-548-2529kgoldner@ppm-maine.orgwww.penobscotmarinemuseum.orgFree admission to MLA members.

ELECTRONICS

Midcoast Marine Electronics700 Main StRockland, ME [email protected]% off list price on all marine electronic products

FINANCIAL & INVESTMENT

Farm Credit East615 Minot Ave.Auburn, ME 04210 800-831-4230www.farmcrediteast.com

GIFTS

Maine Camp Outfi tters300 Sunset Rd Sunset, ME 04683 800-560-6090 [email protected] www.mainepromotional.com10% off apparel and promotional product orders.

HYDRAULICS

Coastal Hydraulics Inc.PO Box 2832 Seabrook, NH 03874 603-474-1914 [email protected] 10% discount on all in-stock items for MLA members.

Hews CompanyKaty Hews190 Rumery St.South Portland, ME 04106207-767-2136 [email protected]% of all hydraulic components & Cable Craft cables in 2015.

INDUSTRY ORGANIZATIONS

Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative2 Union St.Portland, ME 04101 207-541-9310 [email protected]

INSURANCE

Acadia InsuranceMandi Nickerson1 Acadia CommonsWestbrook, ME 04092 [email protected]

Smithwick & Mariners Insurance 366 US Route 1 Falmouth , ME 04105 207-781-5553/800-370-1883 [email protected] www.smithwick-ins.comDiscounted vessel insurance for MLA mem-bers. Additional 5% discount with proof of completed C.G. Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor course within the last 5 years.

Varney Agency Inc.Pam St. Clair32 Oak St.Bangor, ME 04401207-947-5032 [email protected]

LEGAL SERVICES

Law offi ce of J. Scott Logan, LLC75 Pearl StreetPortland, ME 04101 207-699-131420% discount on foreclosure defense, bank-ruptcy legal fees.

LOBSTER/SEAFOOD/WHOLESALE/RETAIL

Channel Fish Co. 370 East Eagle St.East Boston , MA 02128 617-569-3200 paula@channelfi shco.comwww.channelfi shco.com

Cozy Harbor Seafood Inc.PO Box 389Portland, ME 04112207-879-2665 [email protected]

Craig’s All Natural LLC25 Winecellar Rd.Durham, NH 03824 [email protected]% discount on All Victoinox Cutlery

Garbo LobsterPete DaleyPO Box 334Hancock, ME [email protected]

Little Bay Lobster Inc.158 Shattuck WayNewington, NH 03801 603-431-3170 [email protected]

Luke’s Lobster459 Grand St.Brooklyn, NY 11211212-387-8487 [email protected]

Spruce Head Fishermen’s Coop 275 Island Rd South Th omaston, ME 04858 207-594-8029 [email protected]

Stonington Lobster CoopPO Box 87Stonington, ME 04681 207-367-2286www.stoningtonlobstercoop.com

Swans Island Fishermens CoopPO Box 116 Swans Island, ME 04685 207-526-4327 [email protected]

Winter Harbor Fishermen’s Coop 23 Pedleton Rd. Winter Harbor, ME 04693 207-963-5857 [email protected]% off fresh picked lobster meat.

MARINE ENGINES

Milton Cat16 Pleasant Hill RdScarborough, ME [email protected]

REFRIGERATION SERVICES

Applied Refrigeration Services 7C Commons Ave. Windham, ME 04062 207-893-0145 [email protected]

www.appliedrefrigeration.com$250 off new installations.

RESTAURANTS

Barnacle Billys Inc. PO Box 837 Ogunquit , ME 03907 207-646-5575 [email protected] www.barnbilly.com

Th e Clam Shack PO Box 6200 Kennebunkport, ME 04046 207-967-3321 [email protected] www.theclamshack.net

SALT

Maine Salt Company677 Coldbrook RdHermon, ME 04401207-848-3796 [email protected]

TRAP BUILDERS/STOCK SUPPLIES

Brooks Trap Mill 211 Beechwood St Th omaston, ME 04861 207-354-8763 [email protected] www.brookstrapmill.com

Friendship Trap Company 570 Cushing Rd. Friendship, ME 04547 207-354-2545/800-451-1200 [email protected] www.friendshiptrap.com5% off list price on traps purchased at the Friendship store.

Sea Rose Trap Co.137 Pleasant Hill Rd.Scarborough, ME 04074207-730-2063 [email protected] www.searosetrap.com5% off list price on traps to MLA members

MLA SELECT BUSINESS MEMBERS Show your support for these businesses!

Many thanks to these fine businesses, the MLA’s Keeper members!

Accutech Marine PropellerAllen Insurance & Finan-cialAtlantic Edge LobsterBeals-Jonesport Coopera-tiveBell Power Systems Inc.Bowdoin College Dining ServicesBuoysticks.com Calendar Islands Maine Lobster LLCCanobie SeafoodsCape Porpoise Lobster Co. Inc.Chapman & ChapmanChase Leavitt & Co.Coastal DocumentationConary Cove Lobster Co.Cousins Maine LobsterCranberry Isles Fisher-men’s Co-opCushing Diesel, LLCDamariscotta Bank & Trust Co.Eastern Tire & Auto ServiceFinestkind Scenic CruisesF W Thurston Co. Inc.Georgetown Fishermen’s CoopGrundens USA LtdGulf of Maine Lobster FoundationGuy Cotten, IncHamilton Marine

HR Beal& Sons Inc.Insterstate Lobster Co.Island Fishing Gear & Auto PartsIsland Fishermen’s WivesIsland Seafood II, LLCJohn’s Bay BoatsKips Seafood Co.Lake Pemaquid Inc.Linda Bean’s Maine LobsterLobster MELobster Products Inc.Lonnie’s Hydraulic Inc.Machias Savings BankMaine Financial GroupMaine Lobster Dealers AssociationMaine Lobstermen’s Com-munity AllianceMaine Maritime MuseumMaine Port AuthorityMaine Sea GrantMarine Hydraulic Engi-neering Co. Inc.McMillan Offshore Sur-vival TrainingMidcoast Marine SupplyMount Desert OceanariumNautilus Marine Fabrica-tion Inc.New England Fish Co.New England Marine & Industrial Inc.New England Propeller

Nicholas H. Walsh, PANorth Atlantic Power ProductsNovatec Braids LTDO’Hara CorporationOrion Seafood InternationalPenobscot Bay & River Pilots Assn.Penobscot East Resource CenterPete’s Marine ElectronicsPJ Lobster CompanyPolyform USPort Clyde Fishermen’s Co-opPort Lobster Co.Quahog Lobster Inc.Re/Max OceansideSeaview Lobster Co.Shucks Maine LobsterSouth Bristol Fishermen’s CooperativeSuperior Bait and SaltSuperior Marine Products Inc.The Compass Insurance GroupThe First NAVinalhaven Fishermen’s Co-opWD Matthews Machinery Co.Weathervane Seafoods Inc.Weirs Motor Sales Inc.Williams CPA Group LLCWorcesters Lobster Bait


By Shelley Wigglesworth

Forty-fi ve-year-old lobsterman Joe Cyr is a fourth-genera-

tion fi sherman and bodybuilder whose family roots began

on Chebeauge Island nearly a century ago. One of eight

children, Cyr knew early on that he wanted to fi sh. “I was

the only one out of all of the kids in my family who showed

an interest in fi shing and my grandfather, Ray White, saw

that right away. He fi rst took me out when I was seven

years old. After that I lived with him and my grandmother

in Kennebunkport each summer and I fi shed with him for

years,” Cyr said.

It was fi shing with his grandfather that ultimately led Cyr

to bodybuilding. “I was about 11 years old and I overheard

my grandfather say to my grandmother that he didn’t think

I was strong enough yet to do some of the work on the boat.

Once I heard that, it stayed with me and I wanted to prove to

him that I could. Not long after that I started lifting weights,”

Cyr said.

His weight lifting as a youngster ultimately led him to com-

petitive bodybuilding. He earned the Junior Mr. Maine title

in 1990 and the Mr. Maine title in 1991. “I stopped compet-

ing after that, because there really isn’t any money in it. I

never stopped training though. I may get back into compet-

ing someday, just to do it again and have something for my kids to look back

on. I’m bigger and in better shape now than I was back then, plus training keeps

me in a good mood. I’m always pretty happy and that’s the way to be,” he said.

In the early 1980’s when Cyr was 13, White’s health took a turn for the worse.

He could no longer fi sh which put an end to Cyr’s summers lobstering with

his grandfather. “When he stopped fi shing he still wanted me to carry on. He

gave me his 12-foot aluminum boat with a 1965 Sears 7 hp outboard engine,”

Cyr said. Th e innovative young teen put what he had been given to good use.

“I brought my little boat down under Million Dollar Bridge [in Portland] on a

makeshift trailer that I hustled the kids in the neighborhood to help me make.

I set some traps that I had salvaged and repaired and I made my own buoys out

of milk jugs. I didn’t catch a lot, but what I did catch in the summer I sold to the

old ladies in my neighborhood,” Cyr explained.

Before long, Portland lobsterman Ed “Bibby” Willette

took notice of the young teen and off ered him a stern-

man position on his boat, Barbara Mae. “He taught

me everything about lobstering that summer and I

stayed with him until I was out of high school. He was

like a second dad to me,” Cyr said.

After graduating from Portland High School in 1989,

Cyr went on to own and operate two of his own lob-

ster boats, the Sea Witch and the Jill E. He also was

an urchin diver for a while in the early 1990’s when

the market was big. “I learned how to dive from a guy

named Warren Ammerita. We did a trade -- I taught

him how to run a boat and he taught me how to dive,”

Cyr explained.

When the urchin business began to take a downturn,

Cyr began investing in more lobster gear. He sold the

Sea Witch and kept the Jill E and, in a twist of fate, he

ended up buying the Barbara Mae, the lobster boat

he got his start on with Willette years earlier.

He currently fi shes 800 traps out of Portland on the

Barbara Mae. “Bibby is still alive and so is his wife,

Barbara. She is the one the boat is named after. I stop

in and see them all the time. I still have the Jill E too

but I am not using her. I’m on the Barbara Mae for sentimental and loyalty rea-

sons. Th ere’s a lot of respect there,” he said.

Th ese days, Cyr, who is the father of two teenagers, spends his time balanc-

ing family life with lobstering and his other business, Top to Bottom Home

Improvement. “I always knew I wanted to fi sh, but I learned carpentry in high

school because I knew I might need it someday,” he said. Cyr also remains

dedicated to training daily, something he said keeps him focused. His son, Joe

Jr., has his Apprentice lobster license and fi shes with his father each summer,

learning the ways of the water and the family fi shing traditions from Cyr just

as Cyr learned them from his grandfather decades earlier. “Joey will probably

be the fi fth generation of commercial fi shermen in my family, and I’d like to see

him do it if that’s what he wants,” Cyr concluded.

BODYBUILDING AND LOBSTERING SUIT FOURTH GENERATION FISHERMAN

20 JUNEBoothbay HarborM. Farnham (207) 380-5892

21 JUNERocklandDot Black (207) 975-9690

28 JUNEBass HarborWayne Rich (207) 244-9623

SCHEDULE

2015 MAINE LOBSTER BOAT RACING

4 JULYMoosebec Reach, Beals Island/JonesportAdrian Rittenhouse (207) 598-6387

11 JULYSearsportKeith/Travis Otis (207) 548-6362

12 JULYStoningtonNick Wiberg (207) 348-2375

19 JULYFriendshipWes Lash (207) 832-7807

26 JULYPott’s Harbor, HarpswellAlbert Rose (207)844-0346

8 AUGUSTWinter Harbor Scott Young (207) 963-7272

15 AUGUSTLong Island Lobster Boat RacesLisa Kimball (207) 332-3968

16 AUGUSTMerritt Bracket, PemaquidDon Drisko (207) 677-2432

16 AUGUSTMS Lobster Boat Race, PortlandJon Johansen (207) 223-8846

10 OCTOBERAnnual Meeting/Awards Banquet Jeff ’s CateringBrewer (207)-223-8846

All Races:Sign-up 8 to 9 AMRaces Start 10 AMException: Long Island: Sign up 1-2 PM, Start 3 PM.Listen on VHF Channel 10

Former Mr. Maine champ Joe Cyr doing what he likes best. Photo courtesy of J. Cyr.


MLA Items Color Size PriceWomen’s Zip Hoodie (buoys) Light blue S, M, L $35

1/4 Zip Fleece Navy M, L, XL, 2XL $20

MLA classic T-shirt Gray M, L, XL, 2XL $15

Child Lobster Life cycle T-shirt Oatmeal S $10

Child Lobster Buoy T-shirt White XS, S, M $10

MLA logo T-shirt Navy M, XL, 2XL $15

MLA logo Hat Blue one size $15

Shop online: www.mainelobstermen.org/mla-store203 Lafayette Center Kennebunk, ME 04043

207-967-4555

GET YOUR MLA GEAR!It’s starting to warm up and we have a great way for you to show off your support of MLA

with t-shirts, hats, and totes!

Fill out the order form below or visit us online to see more available products!!

Name:______________________________________________ Phone #:__________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________________

City:____________________________________________ State:__________ Zip:__________

Item #1:_____________________________ Qty:______ Size:________ Color:_____________

Item #2:_____________________________ Qty:______ Size:________ Color:_____________

Item #3: _____________________________ Qty:______ Size:________ Color:_____________

Sub total:________ + $4.50 (shipping) = Total:_______Check #:______ Visa:___ MasterCard:___

Card #: _____________-___________________-__________________-___________________

CVV code (3 numbers on back of card):_________________ Exp. Date:_____________________

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800-639-2715 • hamiltonmarine.com Typographical errors are unintentional and subject to correction.

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ACCUSAT EPIRBs

Cat II ManualOrder# 731676

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Here to serve you! Jerry Wadsworth (207) 542-0842 [email protected] Jimmy Emerson (207) 483-6555 [email protected] Friendship Office: (800) 451-1200; (207) 354-2545 Columbia Falls Office: (800) 339-6558 Visit our website: www.friendshiptrap.com

It starts with you, our customer And it ends with you – we’re not finished until you are completely satisfied!

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For the last 35 years Riverdale Mills has been manufacturing AQUAMESH® here in

America at our Northbridge, Massachusetts facility. We take great pride

that our AQUAMESH® wire is made from start to finish by hardworking Americans

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WHEN YOUR ENGINE MEANS BUSINESS,MILTON CAT MEANS MORE.

Milton CAT is the Northeast and upstate New York Caterpillar dealer. Our complete range of marine power systems solutions is backed by a team with exceptional knowledge and experience.

• More engine choices.

• More fully equipped and staffed locations.

• More support for your commercial fishing vessel, ferry, tug, or pleasure craft.

• More ordering and delivery options for unparalleled part availability.

Contacts: (in ME, NH, VT) Stewart Tuttle, 207-885-8082, [email protected](in MA, RI ) Kevin Hampson, 508-634-5503, [email protected]


Present your MLA membership card at the following businesses and receive generous discounts!

Accutech Marine Propeller, Inc.Dover, NH -- 20% off propeller repair. Discounts vary by manufacturer for new propellers,shafting and other hardware.

Applied Refrigeration Services Windham, ME -- $250 off new installations.

Back River Financial GroupFarmingdale, ME -- Free initial consultation and review of previous tax returns.

Bessy Bait, LLCSeabrook, NH -- $5 discount per drum on multiple drum purchases (must show current MLA card).

Coastal Hydraulics Seabrook, NH -- 10% discount on all in stock items for MLA members.

Commercial Fisheries NewsDeer Isle, ME -- Discounted annual subscription rate for $18.75 with MLA membership noted on check.

Craig’s All NaturalDurham, NH -- 10% discount on all Victo-inox Cutlery.

Friendship Trap Company Friendship, ME -- 5% off list price on traps purchased at the Friendship store.

North Atlantic Power ProductsExeter, NH -- 10% off marine gears, con-trols, accessories, and parts.

Penobscot Marine MuseumSearsport, ME -- Free admission for MLA members.

Richard Stanley Custom Boats

of hull with MLA membership

Sea Rose Trap Co.Scarborough, ME -- 5% off trap list price when you show your MLA card.

Smithwick & Mariners InsuranceFalmouth, ME -- Discounted vessel insur-ance plus 5% discount with proof of CG approved Drill Conductor course within the last 5 years.

SW BoatworksLamonie, ME -- $1000 discount for hull or top

Weathervane Seafood Inc.Kittery, ME – 10% off mail order purchas-es. Just mention you are an MLA member. 1-800-914-1774.

Winter Harbor Fishermen’s CoopWinter Harbor, ME – 10% off picked lob-ster meat.

Hews Company, LLCSouth Portland, ME -- 10% off all hydraulic components and Cable Craft cables in 2015.

Portland, ME -- 20% discount on foreclo-sure defense and bankruptcy legal fees.

Sunset, ME -- 10% off all apparel and pro-motional product orders.

Maine Lobstermen’s AssociationKennebunk, ME--10% off MLA merchan-dise.

Maine Maritime MuseumBath, ME -- Free admission to MLA mem-bers.

McMillan Offshore Survival TrainingBelfast, ME -- 10% discount on USCG Drill Conductor training.

Midcoast Marine Electronics Rockland, ME -- 10% off list price on all marine electronic products

Mount Desert OceanariumBar Harbor, ME -- Free admission to com-

National FishermanNorth Hollywood, CA -- Special annual subscription rate.

MLA MEMBERS DISCOUNT DIRECTORY

WHAT TO DO NOW THAT YOU HAVE HEALTH INSURANCEBy Sarah Paquette

We hope last month’s article encouraged you to select your primary care physi-

cian; perhaps you even made an appointment. If you have visited a doctor, you

have probably received an Explanation of Benefi ts (EOB) from your insurance

company. An EOB is not a bill, rather it is an explanation of charges and who is

responsible for payment. After you visit the doctor, they will bill the insurance

company. Th e EOB shows you what your doctor’s visit cost, how much of that

cost your insurance company covered and what is left for you to pay. Your doc-

tor’s offi ce will send you a bill for the charges you are responsible for separately.

Not all EOBs look the same, but they all have the same information, including:

• Service description – what kind of care you received

• Provider charges – how much your visit cost

• Allowed charges – the amount your provider will be reimbursed

• Paid by insurer – the amount your insurance plan will cover

• Payee – Th e person who will get reimbursed if the claim is overpaid (may

be you or your provider)

• What you owe – the amount you owe your provider

Th e remark code is a code that explains more about the costs. Th e code should

be explained under the list of charges or on the back of your EOB. You may also

notice information on how much you have paid out-of-pocket and how much

has been applied to your deductible. If any of the information on your EOB is

incorrect, or you feel a service wasn’t covered at the correct rate, you can ap-

peal it. Your EOB should come with information on how to fi le an appeal or

grievance – it may be printed on the back of your EOB. If you believe a service

should have been covered and wasn’t, call your insurance company. Its phone

number should be near the logo or on the back of your EOB.

Your insurance plan does more than help pay for doctors’ visits: it also helps

cover the cost of prescription medicines. Each plan has an approved list of

medicines that your insurance company will cover at three diff erent levels. Th is

list is called a formulary and can be found on your insurance company’s Web

site or you can call your insurance company and request it.

A formulary will list both generic and brand-name drugs that your plan covers.

Generic drugs are considered Tier 1 drugs and will cost you the least. Tier 2

drugs cost more and consist of preferred, brand-name drugs; Tier 3 is made up

of non-preferred, brand-name drugs which will cost more than the other two

tiers of drugs. Some plans also have Tier 4 for specialty drugs. If your doctor

prescribes you a medicine, ask if there is a generic you can take that works as

well as the brand-name so you can save money.

Formularies have many, many pages of drugs listed. If you have a digital copy

of your formulary on your computer, you can quickly fi nd a drug by hitting the

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you can type in the drug you are looking for. You can also call your insurance

company and ask if your plan covers certain drugs.


Exports continued from page 1

warehouse and pack them tightly in

waterproof boxes for daily shipments

out of airports in Boston, New York

and Newark, N.J.

“I want to be a major shipper of lob-

ster worldwide,” says Adams, who

also attended the Brussels trade

show. “To grow as quickly as I could, I

went after the emerging Asia market.”

Maine Coast Shellfi sh’s sales have

grown from zero to $40 million in

four years, earning Adams the ac-

colade as the U.S. Small Business

Administration’s 2015 Small Business

Exporter of the Year for Maine. He’ll

be honored at an SBA reception at

the Augusta Country Club on May 5.

Ready Seafood, a Portland-based lob-

ster dealer and processor started 10

years ago by John and Brendan Ready,

is receiving a similar award from the

Maine International Trade Center on

May 21 for its growing global seafood

business, with international markets

now accounting for more than 70%

of its business. Both companies are

playing a signifi cant role in expand-

ing markets for Maine’s lobsters,

helping to drive a record one-year

increase of almost $87 million in the

overall value of the 2014 catch over

2013.

“In the last year, the value of lobster

per pound went up 79 cents,” Adams

says. “Th at’s dramatic. At $3.63 per

pound, that’s a 20% higher value than

the year before.”

Emerging markets

Adams, 45, started his company in

2011 with the vision of focusing on

international sales. Th e market in

Asia, at that point, was just emerging

— with China, for example, import-

ing a bit more than $100,000 worth of

Maine lobsters in 2010, according to

the U.S. Census Bureau’s foreign trade

division. In 2014, with $21.5 million

in sales, China is the No. 2 importer

of Maine lobsters after Canada, at

$300.5 million.

Although Adams knew the European

market would be an important seg-

ment of his overall business, he

quickly realized Asia had stronger

growth potential. In a mature market,

he says, Maine Coast Shellfi sh would

have to take away market share from

someone else; in an emerging mar-

ket, the future was wide open.

“Th e bulk of the industry was just

starting to see a market develop in

Asia and mainland China,” Adams

says. “I knew I needed to fi nd custom-

ers in those new emerging markets.”

Although his company is technically

a start-up, Adams has more than

paid his dues: He’s a 30-year veteran

of Maine’s shellfi sh industry.

“I pretty much had just had one job

before starting this business,” he says,

noting that he began working for a

York lobster dealer when he was 15

and eventually became a 50% owner

of that company by the time he hit

30. Although things were going well

at that business, Adams says that by

2009 he decided it was time to take a

diff erent path and sold his half of the

business.

He spent almost two years care-

fully planning his re-entry into the

lobster distribution business. From

the beginning, he was thinking big.

Typically, he says, new lobster dealers

start small, building facilities capable

of holding 20,000 to 30,000 pounds of

lobsters at a time. His plans called

for retrofi tting an existing industrial

facility in York and installing hold-

ing tanks with a capacity of 150,000

pounds. Th e fi rst bank he went to, he

says, turned him down, saying, “Th is

is pretty large for a start-up.”

Adams says he eventually found a

willing lender in Bangor Savings

Bank, which, in 2011 and every year

since, has been the top SBA lender

in Maine. Acknowledging that both

the bank and SBA put his business

plan through a rigorous review pro-

cess, Adams says he recognized “they

asked the right questions.”

“Th ey wanted me to cross every ‘T’

and dot every ‘I,’” he says. “It took

longer [to close the loan], but I felt it

was worth my time to make sure eve-

rything we did was right.”

Adams says he resisted locating in

nearby New Hampshire — with no in-

come or sales taxes and closer prox-

imity to international airports — for a

very simple reason. “I chose to stay in

Maine because I wanted to say I was

a ‘Maine’ lobster company,” he says.

“Aside from the fact that my family

has lived in Maine for many genera-

tions, my marketing eff ort from the

start has been based on the fact that I

am a Maine lobster business.”

He also knew, from the start, that in-

vesting heavily in marketing was im-

portant.

“I wanted to get name recognition

very quickly and worldwide,” he says.

“We’re spending well over $100,000

in marketing and advertising. We’ve

invested heavily in trade shows, ad-

vertising, building our website with

a responsive design that would work

with multiple platforms … We recog-

nized mobile is becoming so impor-

tant [as a marketing tool].”

His company’s logo, featuring an el-

egant line drawing of a lobster boat

cutting through ocean waves with

“Maine Coast” in bold letters be-

neath the image, has a closer affi n-

ity to Oriental line drawings than

an Ogunquit art colony watercolor

painting. Th at’s by design, Adams

says: “We struggled to get it right.

We want it to be recognizable world-

wide, but we didn’t want just an old-

fashioned lobster and logo label.”

Great risk, great opportunity

With almost $2 million invested in his

new facility and not a single custom-

er lined up when he opened Maine

Coast Shellfi sh in 2011, Adams says

his business plan targeting interna-

tional markets has paid off , with the

company achieving profi tability in

its fi rst year with $7 million in overall

sales. Top-line sales grew to $15 mil-

lion in 2012, $25 million in 2013 and

$40 million in 2014.

He expects that torrid rate of growth

will level off eventually and is already

benchmarking his company against

other comparable-sized shellfi sh dis-

tributors to make sure he’s on a sus-

tainable path. He’s just made his fi rst

executive hire, a controller who’ll be

helping him do just that.

“We want to keep growing,” he says.

“We want to do it safely by mitigating

whatever risks we can without get-

ting too risk-averse.”

Selling lobsters in international mar-

kets, Adams admits, is not for the

faint-hearted. Th e “risks are consid-

erable” in Asia’s lobster market, he

says, with mortality, shipping delays

and unpaid receivables being the

primary headaches. Almost on cue,

as he was being interviewed, one of

his sales team tells him a shipment of

lobsters heading to China is held up

in Newark’s airport. Th e delay would

extend the travel time from 48 hours

to 60 hours. “Do we bring it back, or

let it fl y?” the salesman asks Adams,

who’s inclined to proceed but tells

his salesman to call the customer as

back-up.

“I don’t want to make that decision

without including the customer,” he

says. “Yes, we want to make the de-

livery and it is unfortunate an air-

line can delay our shipment without

any recourse for us … Th at’s $20,000

worth of lobster we are making a bet

on.”

Th e risk of not getting paid for a ship-

ment, he says, also is a greater risk

in an emerging market like China

than in a mature one such as Europe,

where longstanding and well-estab-

lished customers are in place.

“I’ve had some bad debt, and I’ve tak-

en steps to mitigate the risk,” he says.

“But you have to take the risk if you’re

serious about [capturing a signifi cant

share of the export market.]”

Building on a long fi shing heritage

Matt Jacobson, executive direc-

tor of the Maine Lobster Marketing

Collaborative, says Adams, the Ready

brothers and other dealers deserve

credit for expanding international

markets for Maine lobsters. “It’s im-

portant for a lot of reasons, not the

least of which is that the domestic

market needs to grow too,” he says.

“Th e export market can serve as a

buff er and help stabilize prices by

...his success very much depends on sustain-ing dozens of fi shing

communities all along the coast of Maine.

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By Melissa Waterman

It’s a little bit daunting to visit the oppo-

site side of the world. Th ere are the long

hours spent in an airplane, and the dif-

ferent weather, customs and food. But

for Cutler lobsterman Kristan Porter,

visiting Australia to share Maine’s lob-

stering practices and learn more about

that country’s thriving rock lobster

fi shery was an adventure.

“It started with the International

Lobstermen’s Exchange that Maine

Sea Grant and the Maine Lobstermen’s

Association (MLA) organized [in

March, 2010]. I met a lot of guys through

that,” Porter explained. Th e Exchange

brought lobstermen from southwest

Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Ireland, Western Australia, Tasmania and

New Zealand to Maine to fi nd out about the state’s lobster industry. Th e lobster-

men visited 11 Maine towns, fi shed with local lobstermen, and met with people

and businesses involved in the industry. Porter and fellow Maine lobstermen

were intrigued by the similarities and diff erences between Maine’s cold water

lobster fi shery and Australia’s warm water rock lobster fi shery.

Australia has another similarity to Maine: it too has endangered whales that

become entangled in fi shing gear. So when Tim Werner, director of marine con-

servation engineering at the New England Aquarium, invited Porter in 2013 to

join on a trip to investigate the types of gear and rope Australians were using

and how they interacted with whales, Porter was interested. As vice-president

of the MLA, Porter was well aware of the measures used by Maine lobstermen

to keep North Atlantic right whales and other large whales safe. He had partici-

pated in collaborative research studies testing diff erent ropes and gear modifi -

cations, and in a reverse engineering workshop organized by Werner to brain-

storm how an entanglement might have happened based on the gear removed

from the whale and other information. “Tim asked me to go as a lobsterman. I

was almost like a translator to the fi shermen for him,” Porter laughed.

After the conference, Porter went lobstering with many local lobstermen,

met with offi cials from the area’s fi sheries management agency, and generally

learned a lot about how things are done on the far side of the world. “Th e guys

were so good to me there. It’s a lot like Maine in a way, because it’s a huge coun-

try with a small population. Th e people were very friendly,” Porter said.

Western Australia’s rock lobster fi shery has been a limited-entry fi shery since

1963. A licensed lobsterman holds an individual transferable quota which dic-

tates how many pounds he can land. He is also limited in the number of traps

he can set. As in Maine, there are minimum and maximum size requirements

and regulations prohibiting the harvest of breeding female lobsters. Th e fi sh-

ery was the fi rst certifi ed by the Marine Stewardship Council as a sustainable

fi shery in 2000. Th ere are 250 vessels in the Western rock lobster fi shery, which

is the most valuable in Australia. Th e total allowable commercial catch in 2013-

14 was 5,554 tons with an export value of $358 million ($Australian).

During the summer of 2014 Jason How, an Australian whale researcher, came

to Maine to learn more about how Maine lobstermen rig their gear to minimize

interactions with whales. Th e MLA connected How with several lobstermen

along the coast. “He went out with David Cousens, Steve Train, and me. He was

fascinated by how we fi sh and the management system for lobstering, the en-

try/exit ratios, the apprenticeship pro-

gram and so on,” Porter said. Australian

rock lobstermen fi sh all single traps, no

trawls, and they are limited in the num-

ber of traps they can set. Seeing thou-

sands of buoys in the water “just blew

him away,” he recalled.

Porter kept in contact with his new

friends in Australia. Th en, this past

winter, another invitation came his

way. “Th ey asked me to come to the

Rock Lobster Congress in April to

talk about what we are doing here in

Maine. Th ey would provide accommo-

dations if I could get there.” Travelling

to Western Australia for a three-day

conference would not be a casual trip.

Porter, like most other lobstermen, was

getting ready to start putting his traps

in the water and make some money again after a long, cold winter. He hesi-

tated. “Th en I decided, what the heck, I’m going. You’re a long time dead, do

what you want to do now,” he said.

His aim in attending the conference was to keep the fl ow of ideas between fi sh-

erm en, started in the initial lobstermen’s exchange in 2010, going. Porter ended

up successfully applying for a small travel grant from Maine Sea Grant based on

that principle. He was there and back in less than a week. “It was a quick trip,”

he acknowledged. “I had to get back to set my gear.”

Porter admitted to feeling a little nervous heading to a scientifi c conference by

himself. He worked with the MLA to prepare a PowerPoint presentation cov-

ering all of the major points about the Maine lobster fi shery. Although he has

been a board member of the Maine Fishermen’s Forum for many years, stand-

ing up at a podium in front of an audience of strangers wasn’t something he

felt comfortable about. “I was worried about not knowing anyone there. But

it was completely the opposite. I met up with some of the guys I’d fi shed with

two years ago. Th ey took me under their wings and included me in everything.”

While the two fi sheries take place at opposite parts of the globe under very

diff erent management regimes, they do have many traits in common, accord-

ing to Porter. “It’s not that one way is better than the other. We both have MSC

certifi cation but we’ve gone about it diff erently,” he said.

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Kristan Porter with an Australian lobster. Photo courtesy of K. Porter.

A well-loaded Australian boat about to set a few traps. Photo courtesy of K. Porter.


By Melissa Waterman

Everyone has read stories about the castaway sailor who writes a message in

a bottle, then tosses it in the sea in hopes that the currents will take it to some

distant shore and he will be rescued. While there aren’t too many castaway

sailors in the cold North Atlantic Ocean at the moment (thankfully), a number

of lobster buoys and other gear are heading across the Atlantic to make landfall

in Europe.

A buoy of Boothbay lobsterman Mark Jones (lat. 43.87 N., long. 69.63 W.), man-

aged to make its way across the ocean to Scotland. On April 26, a beachcomber

on Scotland’s west coast found the buoy, which had its license number still vis-

ible, in the Bay of Skaill (lat. 59.35 N., long. 2.95 W.). He post-

ed information about it on his Facebook page where Jones’

daughter eventually found it. Th e Scottish man off ered to

return the buoy to Jones, who declined.

In 2012, Gerard O’Malley, proprietor of a ferry service on the

west coast of Ireland, found a buoy which bore the name

and phone number of Stephen Robbins Jr. of Stonington

(lat. 44.04 N., long. 68.62 W.). O’Malley tossed the buoy in

his shed for a year or so, then unearthed it to serve as a

fender on his ferry running to Inishturk and Clare Island

(lat. 52.84 N., long. 8.98 W.), where he had fi rst found it. A

local fi sherman took a picture of the buoy and posted it to

a Facebook page. Robbins was surprised when he learned

of the fi nd, given that the phone number on the buoy was

13 years out of date.

It may seem that there’s an invisible pipeline carrying

buoys from the Gulf of Maine to the British Isles. Th at hy-

pothetical pipeline is actually the Gulf Stream, explained

Jim Manning, an oceanographer at the Northeast Fisheries

Science Center in Massachusetts. “It is not surprising at all

that buoys end up there. Given both the Gulf Stream and

the prevailing winds, the trip is typically less than a year,”

he explained in an email. “Th at time is quite variable, how-

ever. It can be on the order of a few months to a few years.”

Other people are taking advantage of the eastward drift to help students un-

derstand oceanography. Retired physical therapist and life-long sailor Dick

Baldwin of Lincolnville started Educational Passages in 2008. His goal was to

encourage interest among children in the complexities of the world’s oceans.

Th rough Educational Passages, students build and rig four-foot model ships,

which are then launched from volunteer vessels into the Atlantic from Maine,

Florida, Bermuda, and the Canary Islands. Th e boats are equipped with GPS

units that broadcast their location twice each day.

Since the program’s start, 40 boats have been built and launched. Most were

tracked via GPS and recovered after they landed in Europe, the Caribbean,

Cuba, Bahamas, Panama, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia. In April one model,

called the Mighty Spartan, was found on the northwest

coast of Ireland. Th e model was built by the fi fth and

sixth grade class at Lake Forest Central Elementary

School in Felton, Delaware and launched by a freight-

er headed to Bermuda in mid-November, 2014. From

there it managed a speedy four-and-a-half-month trip

to Ireland, where it was found on a beach in Strandhill

(lat. 54.27 N., long. 8.95 W.), near Sligo, on March 31. Its

sail had been damaged, but otherwise the boat was in

good shape. Manning credited the quick voyage to the

facts that the sail stayed in one piece and that it started

its trip right in the Gulf Stream.

Another student-built boat model, called the Crimson

Wave, was launched from the same freighter. Th is boat

found its way further north, landing somewhere on the

Orkney Island of Papa Westray (lat. 59.35 N., long. -2.90

W.) on April 25.

You can see the tracks of the model boats deployed last

year and in previous years at the Web site http://www.

nefsc.noaa.gov/drifter/drift_ep_2014_3.html.

Subscribe Today! Send check or money order for $18.*along with the information below to: Fishermen’s Voice

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Reprinted with permission from the New England Fishery Management Council

Th e New England Fishery Management Council (Council) made fi nal decisions,

referred to at the meeting as fi nal preferred alternatives, on most sections of

the Habitat Amendment at its meeting in Mystic, CT. Once all elements of the

action — proposed area designations and those identifi ed as vulnerable and

requiring protection from the impacts of fi shing — receive Council approval

they will be forwarded to NOAA Fisheries for agency approval and implemen-

tation. NOAA is always the fi nal decision maker on any measures moved for-

ward by the Council.

To better understand the Council’s intent in developing the Habitat

Amendment, it may be helpful to review an introductory paragraph in the

draft amendment document that helps explain what types of areas are being

considered and why.

Essential Fish Habitat and Habitat Area of Particular Concern designations are

based on species-specifi c distributions and life-history information, and are

used primarily for analytical approaches in impact analyses and agency con-

sultations.

Spatial management areas, on the other hand, contain habitats of impor-

tance to multiple species, are vulnerable to impacts from fi shing, and as such,

could be subject to gear restrictions for conservation purposes on the basis of

gear type. Th ree types of spatial management areas are being proposed in the

Habitat Amendment, year-round habitat management areas and dedicated

habitat research areas, both discussed below; and groundfi sh seasonal spawn-

ing areas. Th e latter will be discussed at the June Council meeting.

An additional Georges Bank Habitat Management Area alternative, discussed

at the April meeting but not previously analyzed, will also be considered in

June, along with the groundfi sh spawning areas.

Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Designations

EFH designations were specifi ed for all managed species and life stages, in-

cluding a small number of specifi c modifi cations discussed at the meeting. By

defi nition, fi shing restrictions are not associated with these areas.

Habitat Areas of Particular Concern

Th e approved HAPC designations involve six nearshore/continental shelf are-

as, two seamounts, and eleven submarine canyons or groups of canyons. Th ese

areas are not subject to gear or other restrictions, but are singled out because

they encompass important and sensitive habitats that should receive careful

consideration for conservation purposes.

Habitat Management Areas (HMAs)

Approved for the Eastern Gulf of Maine - Th e area defi ned as the Small Eastern

Maine HMA would include a complete restriction on use of mobile bottom

tending gears.

Approved for the Central Gulf of Maine - Gear restrictions for the Cashes Ledge,

Jeff reys Bank, and Fippennies Ledge HMAs as mapped in the draft amendment.

Th e Cashes and Jeff reys Bank areas were modifi ed from their previous confi gu-

rations to focus more closely on shallow, hard bottom habitats. Each would

prohibit the use of mobile bottom-tending gears.

Th e Cashes Ledge Closure Area would be maintained as is. Specifi cally, it would

continue to be off limits year-round to all fi shing activity except for the follow-

ing: (a) charter and party vessels with a letter of authorization; and (b) vessels

fi shing with “exempted gears” that catch only small amounts of groundfi sh:

spears, rakes, diving gear, cast nets, tongs, harpoons, weirs, dip nets, stop nets,

pound nets, pots and traps, surfclam/quahog dredge gear, pelagic hook and

line, pelagic longline, single pelagic gillnets, and shrimp trawls.

In accordance with the current groundfi sh regulations, mid-water trawl gear,

and also vessels that are transiting the area with gear that is properly stowed,

would be allowed in the Cashes Ledge Closure Area.

For the Western Gulf of Maine - Th e scenario adopted took into account the

existing habitat and groundfi sh closures in the Western Gulf of Maine. Th e

habitat closure would be maintained as-is, while the groundfi sh closure would

have its eastern boundary shifted 5 minutes of longitude to match the habitat

closure boundary.

Within the habitat/groundfi sh area, current fi shing restrictions would be

maintained. Th e exception is an exemption for shrimp trawls from the mobile

bottom-tending gear restrictions in the northwestern corner of the area, lo-

cated in the deep waters west of Jeff reys Ledge. In addition, the Council would

continue to limit trawl roller gear to 12 inches in diameter in the existing in-

shore roller gear area.

NEW ENGLAND FISHERIES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL APPROVES OMNIBUS HABITAT AMENDMENT, REMAINING ISSUES TO BE DECIDED

THIS MONTH



Humpbacks continued from page 1

portions of the stock were doing, all were considered endangered.

Of those DPS, the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA)

is proposing to remove ten from the ESA listing altogether, list two as “threat-

ened” and list two as endangered. Th e North Atlantic humpbacks that travel to

the Gulf of Maine are part of the West Indies Distinct Population of approxi-

mately 12,000 animals, which would be one of the ten designated “not war-

ranted for listing.”

“Th e return of the iconic humpback whale is an ESA success story,” said Eileen

Sobeck, assistant NOAA administrator for fi sheries. “As we learn more about

the species—and realize the populations are largely independent of each oth-

er—managing them separately allows us to focus protection on the animals

that need it the most.”

Th e 90-day comment period following release of the NOAA proposal closes on

July 20. Th e fi nal rule must be published by February 20, 2016, but will undoubt-

edly be sooner, probably late summer or early fall, said Gouveia. Th e only public

hearing in New England will be held in Plymouth, Mass., on June 3.

“Everyone should be happy,” said Gouveia. “We rarely see animals taken off the

endangered species list.”

Images of humpbacks can be seen everywhere—they are the poster icon for

“save the whales” eff orts and a favorite of whale watchers because of their an-

tics, such as breaching or slapping the water surface with their heads, tails or

pectoral fi ns. Th ose fi ns can reach 15 feet in length and have such distinctive

markings—white striations on dark grey—they allow researchers to identify

individual animals. Th ey can reach up to 60 feet in length, weigh between 25

and 40 tons, and can consume up to 3,000 pounds of food per day, mostly krill,

plankton and small fi sh. Th eir life span is about 50 years.

Th e name of these baleen whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, means “big-winged

New Englander” since the New England population was the one best known

to Europeans. Th eir seasonal migration is thought to be longer than any other

whales’, often around 3,000 miles but a few have been recorded up to 5,000

miles.

Th e whales will continue to be managed under the Marine Mammal Protection

Act (MMPA), and those regulations won’t change because they cover all three

whales —humpback, right and fi nback—that migrate through New England

and Gulf of Maine waters. A de-listing of humpbacks would mean that the pop-

ulation is healthy enough to sustain larger numbers of whales being seriously

injured or killed as a result of human interactions from fi shing and ship strikes.

While a delisting would likely mean that current levels of entanglements and

ship strikes no longer exceed the limit allowed under the law, it would not

impact the whale regulations in place for fi shermen. Entanglement in fi xed

fi shing gear is still the biggest cause of death beyond natural mortality, said

Gouveia, followed by ship strikes.

“Our concern with the humpback’s delisting is the precedent it is setting for

what it takes to remove an animal from the endangered list,” said Regina

Asmutis-Silvia, executive director and senior biologist for Whale and Dolphin

Conservation-North America in Plymouth, Mass. who has worked with whales

for 25 years.

“I think we’re not sure across the board exactly what it (de-listing) will mean.

Th e entanglement process under the MMPA will remain in eff ect.” She believes

since they are highly migratory that “we might not know all we would like to.

Th e important maternal aspect is not being fully considered. Whales only come

to the Gulf of Maine if their mothers brought them there.”

Removing humpbacks from the ESA is based on the species’ recovery since the

1970s. Yet whale conservationists like Asmutis-Silvia are concerned about the

Gulf of Maine portion of the North Atlantic stock. Scientists reclassifi ed Gulf

of Maine humpback whales as a separate feeding stock in 1999; it has been

managed separately since then. Gulf of Maine humpback whales numbers have

gone down slightly since 2000 when NOAA counted 900 to an estimated 823

whales today. With declining numbers, sources of mortality such as entangle-

ment in fi xed fi shing gear continue to be of concern.

“Th ere’s no gross misconduct. No one is hitting or entangling whales on pur-

pose, but the reality for the whales is that they get entangled or struck and they

die,” noted Asmutis-Silvia.

Humpback whales face a multitude of threats from human interactions which

is compounded by a changing environment. “A study here shows that 15 per-

cent of (living) whales have been hit by vessels. Of the whales that died, 15

percent died from ship strikes. Th ere are a lot of diff erent things that impact

humpbacks,” said Asmutis-Silvia. “With climate change, we will see whales in

diff erent places than before, which will mean diff erent gear confl icts than be-

fore, just as the issue of entanglement changed when lines went from hemp to

polypropylene.”

Asmutis-Silvia is also concerned with how off shore energy development aff ects

whales. “We know seismic activity is planned to increase in the mid-Atlantic,

we know the whales go through there, we know it aff ects them. It’s never just

one thing. Like entanglement, whales die from infections when their fl ippers

are cut by lines. It’s a signifi cant welfare issue as well.”

Her organization plans to make “substantive comments” on the proposed

delisting, but they have not written them yet. “I think we want to say the Gulf

of Maine should be considered as a distinct population. We can’t lump them

in with all the other whales in the Atlantic. Th ey need extra protection,” said

Asmutis-Silvia. Not all conservation groups are expected to see the delisting in

the same light, she added. “Some groups will see this as something to celebrate.

It’s not the way we see it. We’re not always on the same page.”

To read more about and comment on the proposed humpback listing: http://www.

fi sheries.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/whales/humpback-whale.html.

Habitat continued from page 18

Garbo depends on the hard work and stewardship of Maine lobstermen.

Thank you !

For the Great South Channel - A new HMA was adopted with a complete re-

striction on the use of mobile bottom-tending gears in the northeast corner,

and a restriction on the use of mobile bottom-tending gears with an exemption

for hydraulic clam dredges throughout the remainder of the area. Th e dredge

exemption would sunset one year after the implementation of the Habitat

Amendment. Th is window of time would provide an opportunity for a more

refi ned clam dredge exemption area or areas to be developed.

Th e Council also took action in southern New England to create a new HMA

near Cox Ledge. Trawls in this area would not be allowed to use ground cables

and hydraulic clam dredges will be prohibited.

Dedicated Habitat Research Areas (DHRAs)

Th e Stellwagen DHRA in the Gulf of Maine, developed to facilitate fi sheries re-

search, was approved although a “no fi shing” reference area component was

not approved. If the research area is not used for scientifi c investigations with-

in three years, a sunset provision would apply.

Th e DHRA would be closed to mobile bottom-tending gear, demersal longlines,

and sink gillnets, while recreational vessels, midwater gear and other pelagic

gear would be allowed. All of these fi shing restrictions are currently in place as

a result of the existing Western Gulf of Maine habitat and groundfi sh closures,

which overlap the proposed DHRA. Th e same three-year sunset provision that

is in the Stellwagen DHRA, as proposed by the Council would apply to an ap-

proved Georges Bank DHRA. Again, the area would be closed to mobile bot-

tom-tending gear types. Th is area is currently closed to these gears as a habitat

closure (Closed Area I South).

Th e Council further recommended that NOAA Fisheries allow habitat studies

to be conducted within the HMAs using commercial fi shing vessels as research

platforms, but contingent on the approval of an exempted fi shing permit.


Th at’s when the ability to hold large volumes of lobster for long periods of time

becomes paramount.

Traditionally, lobsters were kept in tidal pounds (see sidebar) which provided

them with the fl ow of seawater needed to maintain their health. Today, how-

ever, most lobster pounds have given way to high-tech closed and open holding

systems, both here and in the Canadian Maritime provinces.

Island Seafood in Eliot has been shipping live lobsters since 1993. Randy

Townsend, one of the owners, speaks proudly of the company’s three build-

ings which combined can hold 600,000 pounds of lobster. “We started out on

Badger’s Island down in Kittery. Th en we moved here and built the fi rst build-

ing in 2004. We added another in 2006 and then in 2007,” Townsend said.

Keeping a lobster healthy in an artifi cial environment is not simple. To begin

with, it has to be in salt water. Th at water needs to be aerated, the pH levels

monitored, and any wastes, which result in the build-up of ammonia, nitrates

and nitrites, removed. To keep the lobsters in a nearly dormant state, the salt

water must be cold, somewhere around 40o F. “We test the water daily. We have

a sizable investment in that water. It’s trucked in from Rye Harbor [in New

Hampshire],” Townsend explained.

Greenhead Lobster in Stonington has a distributed holding network for its

lobsters. Approximately 245,000 pounds are kept in outdoor lobster pounds.

Another 100,000 pounds are stored in cold water tanks in facilities in Stonington

and Kittery. An additional 15,000 to 150,000 pounds are stored in rented facili-

ties located in Nova Scotia, explained Hugh Reynolds, president of the company.

Greenhead makes good use of tidal pounds, but Reynolds clearly is in favor of

other storage facilities. “Without cold storage there’s no hope for doing any-

thing better in this industry,” said Reynolds. “In Canada, they have so much ca-

pacity they are off ering us space cheaper than I can get here. Right now there’s

something like 25 to 30 million pounds of holding capacity there.”

Th e trouble in Maine, Reynolds continued, is that lobsters are landed all at once,

in the late summer and early fall months. Keeping all those lobsters healthy

enough to ship requires a lot of space and attention. Furthermore, the demand

from Europe and Asia is very low during the summer months, due to a lack of

special holidays then in the two regions, so the supply builds up. “You’ve got to

keep them stored properly in the proper environment. How you store them has

to do with what you are going to do with them, like ship them or freeze them,”

he said. “We’ve expanded capacity as the resource has gone up.”

Tim Harkins at Rocky Coast Lobster in Boothbay Harbor doesn’t deal in quite

the same volume of lobster. Harkins’ closed system can hold between 36,000

and 50,000 pounds of lobster in single stacks. “We have access to seawater so

we can fl ush the system out easily,” Harkins said, acknowledging that “it is a bit

tight right now [as the season picks up].”

Harkins started out in the mid-1990s buying sea urchins for a scallop com-

pany. He watched the shift occur among seafood companies as restrictions

were placed on groundfi sh stocks and booms and busts occurred in the sea ur-

chin and shrimp fi sheries. “Th ere were opportunities [in the 1980s and 1990s].

Companies that did take advantage of those opportunities really grew big. Th ey

were able to pay off debt,” he said.

Harkins foresees consolidation among the seafood companies in the future,

based on the increasing demand for Maine lobster. Yet he worries that such

consolidation will have a downside. While lobster landings have increased dra-

matically during the past fi fteen years, Harkins, like many others in the seafood

business, remain cautious about the future. “If at some point we see landings

decrease, where does that put those who expanded their holding capacity? It’s

a worrisome thing for those who have done a major expansion,” he noted.

David Pottle, owner of Lighthouse Lobster and Bait, is not worried. He completed

construction of a 6,000-square-foot, land-based holding facility in Eastport in 2012.

Prior to then, he held approximately 9,000 pounds in tanks at his home in Perry.

Pottle fi rst became interested in land-based lobster pounds when he visited

one owned and operated by Wade Nickerson at SeaKist Lobster in Nova Scotia.

Pottle, who also runs a construction fi rm, built his new building himself.

Th e building can hold 130,000 pounds of lobster. “It’s a partially closed system,”

he explained. “We bring in the water, chill it and recirculate it.” Seawater is fi l-

tered and pumped onshore into a 150,000-gallon tank and a 40,000-gallon tank.

Th e tanks are aerated and water is cooled and kept at a constant temperature. Th e

lobsters are kept in individual sections in trays, not crates, for up to four months.

Pottle buys his lobsters from 25 boats in the area. Typically he will hold and

sell lobsters throughout the winter then restock beginning in April. “Generally

we put in about 75,000 pounds during June, July and August,” he said. Pottle is

considering putting in a spray system similar to those he has seen operating in

Canada to store lobsters for the short-term. “I might put in another tank and

spray for a month, month and a half [before selling the lobsters],” he said. Pottle

sells his lobsters to Inland Seafood’s facility in Milbridge and rents holding space

to them. “Whenever they need lobsters, we put them on a truck and send them.”

Garbo Lobster of Connecticut operates a tidal pound in Hancock, Maine,

which can hold 500,000 pounds of lobster. In addition, the Hancock facil-

ity has an open system of tanks capable of holding 153,000 pounds in single

stacks. Chilled seawater is pumped into and out of the tanks, keeping the lob-

sters at 38 to 40o F temperatures. Th e company has a similar open system in

Groton, Connecticut, capable of holding 300,000 pounds. In Dipper Harbor,

New Brunswick, the company can hold 80,000 pounds. And in Yarmouth, Nova

Scotia, it can store 1 million pounds of lobster.

It’s all about inventory, according to Pete Daley, company manager. “You have

to have a steady supply to keep your markets happy,” he said. “When a custom-

er picks up the phone to place an order, they want to hear ‘no problem’ or they

go on to the next guy. You’ve got to have that inventory.” Having enough lobsters

is particularly important during key holidays, such as Christmas, New Year’s

Eve, or Valentine’s Day. During the Christmas season, for example, Daley noted

that the company typically packs and ships 200,000 pounds of lobster each day.

“Th is time of year [late spring], it’s more like 40 to 50,000 pounds,” he said.

Garbo Lobster also keeps a high percentage of its lobsters in pounds. “It’s in-

ventory control,” Daley emphasizes again. “[For] w hen you can’t get product

because of the weather or season. Th e lobsters last longer in a pound, too.”As

the volume of lobsters landed has increased, so too has the company’s capacity

to store the crustaceans. “Sure, we’ve reacted to what’s occurring in the busi-

ness. During the past fi ve to ten years we’ve dumped millions of dollars back

into infrastructure to hold large volumes to meet our customer base,” Daley

explained. “You’re either going forward or going behind. It’s never the same.”

Holding capacity continued from page 1

Approved Maine Labeling

www.bessybait.com Phone: 603.300.2846 or 603.300.2849


Available in 30 gal. drums or 5 gal. pails

Keep your traps fishing even when

you can’t get to ‘em!

Bessy Bait is sold at our warehouse located at 155 rear Batchedler Rd., Seabrook NH 03874

Please call for HOURS and PRICING! Bessy Bait is also sold at all Brooks Trap Mill locations.

All Natural Salted Hairless Cowhide

Approved

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LONG-LASTING and AFFORDABLE LOBSTER BAIT

Lighthouse Lobster’s new facility can hold 130,000 pounds at a time. Photo courtesy of D. Pottle.

Highest quality ropes made in Maine

SINK


MAINE FAIR TRADE LOBSTER LLC.

Supporting our Coastal Fishing Communities

with Employment OpportunitiesMAINE FAIR TRADE LOBSTER IS ACTIVELY HIRING. Transportation is available. We are looking for motivated and enthusiastic people to fulfill a variety of positions in our newly renovated lobster produc-tion facility located in Prospect Harbor. Training is available for all positions. Pay rate starts at $10 per hour. All full-time employees are eligible for benefits after 90 days including health, dental, paid holidays and paid time off.

How to apply?Apply online at www.mftlobster.com, in person at 200 Main Street, Prospect Harbor, ME, or call Anna Carver, Personnel Manager at 207-963-9010 x 202 for an application.

MA

INE FAIR TRA

DE

LO BS T E R

®

Last Name First Name Town Viol Descrip� on Adjud Date Adjud Fine SUM

Adjud Decision

CodeSuspension

Flag

BRIDGES RICHARD GOULDSBORO WET STORAGE OF GEAR OVER 30 DAYS 06-Apr-2015 250.00 G NCALLOW ERNEST CAPE ELIZABETH MOLESTING LOBSTER GEAR 15-Jan-2015 570.00 G YCLARK DONALD EDGECOMB WET STORAGE OF LOBSTER TRAPS OVER 30 DAYS 19-Mar-2015 200.00 G NCURTIS CHRISTOPHER PORT CLYDE WET STORAGE OF LOBSTER GEAR OVER 30 DAYS 13-Apr-2015 500.00 G YDOW GEORGE SOUTHWEST HBR USING FLOATING GROUND ROPE 06-Jan-2015 250.00 G N

FARLEY DAVID BASS HARBOR POSSESSION OF 2 V-NOTCHED MUTILATED LOBSTERS 03-Mar-2015 700.00 G NHOOPER TREVOR GOULDSBORO POSSESSION OF ONE OVER-SIZED LOBSTER 08-Jan-2015 740.00 G N

HUTCHINSON CHRISTOPHER CUSHING HAULING LOBSTER TRAPS FROM UNREGISTERED VESSEL 12-Jan-2015 250.00 DEF NJOHNSON ANDREW HARPSWELL FISHING 50 UNTAGGED LOBSTER TRAPS 12-Mar-2015 500.00 G Y

LESTER MATTHEW PROSPECT HARBOR WET STORAGE OF GEAR OVER 30 DAYS 07-Apr-2015 250.00 DEF NLORD JASON PEMAQUID POSSESSION OF ONE OVERSIZED LOBSTER 15-Apr-2015 500.00 G N

NORWOOD ROBERT ORRS ISLAND WET STORAGE OF LOBSTER TRAPS OVER 30 DAYS 05-Mar-2015 500.00 DEF NNYSTROM LARRY FRIENDSHIP WET STORAGE OF LOBSTER GEAR OVER 30 DAYS 13-Apr-2015 250.00 G N

OAKES RANDOLPH VINALHAVEN WET STORAGE OF LOBSTER GEAR GREATER THAN 30 DAYS 10-Apr-2015 250.00 G NRENWICK JOHNATHAN BIRCH HARBOR WET STORAGE OF GEAR OVER 30 DAYS 07-Apr-2015 250.00 G N

SCOTT AVERY BIRCH HARBOR WET STORAGE OF GEAR OVER 30 DAYS 02-Apr-2015 250.00 G NSIMPSON CHARLES VINALHAVEN WET STORAGE OF GEAR OVER 30 DAYS 12-May-2015 1000.00 DEF YSTANLEY TRAVISSE GOULDSBORO WET STORAGE - OVER 30 DAYS 07-Apr-2015 250.00 G NWALLACE BRANDON PHIPPSBURG WET STORAGE OF LOBSTER GEAR OVER 30 DAYS 15-Feb-2015 300.00 G N

WEED RONALD STONINGTON POSSESSION OF TWO V-NOTCH MUTILATED LOBSTERS 03-Mar-2015 810.00 G NWHITAKER TYLER GOULDSBORO POSSESSION OF 20 SHORT LOBSTERS 06-Jan-2015 4820.00 G YWHITAKER TYLER GOULDSBORO POSSESSION OF 1 EGG-BEARING LOBSTER 06-Jan-2015 1460.00 G NWHITAKER TYLER GOULDSBORO POSSESSION OF 8 MUTILATED LOBSTERS 06-Jan-2015 1940.00 G NWIRKALA JAMES SPRUCE HEAD POSSESSION OF 11 SHORT LOBSTERS 06-Jan-2015 2200.00 PEND N

DMR LOBSTER VIOLATIONS REPORTJANUARY 1 - MAY 15, 2015

time, the total legal imports of North American lobster surpassed those of spiny

lobster in China.

In terms of grey market imports [the shadowy smuggling trade prominent in

Asia], things are booming. Canadians and some U.S. companies are shipping

huge quantities of lobster to Vietnam, where it is then carried across the border

into China. For example, from January to March of this year, the U.S. exported

2.8 million pounds of lobster to China and Vietnam versus 1.48 million pounds

for the same period in 2014. But the share going through Vietnam increased to

35% this year, from about 5% last year. Lobsters brought from Vietnam to China

don’t have to have duties paid on them.

China’s appetite for lobster appears here to stay. Th e crackdown on luxury

spending by government offi cials has hurt sales of Australian lobster, but sup-

ported sales of North American lobster. Furthermore, the prices are such that

many ordinary Chinese restaurants now serve lobster.

In short, prices this summer will likely come down to normal levels, possibly a

little higher than last year unless there is some hiccup in landings. But the mar-

ket has expanded to take care of the record high landings, and this bodes well

for the future, both this year and in the next fi ve years as well.

Sackton continued from page 3

broadening the overall customer

base.”

From a marketing standpoint,

Jacobson says there’s no question

that “Maine” has a strong cachet both

for the domestic and international

lobster trade. It’s based on a long fi sh-

ing heritage and images of independ-

ent lobstermen heading out from

cozy rockbound harbors in the early

morning and harvesting an ocean re-

source sustainably with conservation

measures such as notching the tails

of egg-bearing females.

Adams agrees, saying his success very

much depends on sustaining dozens

of fi shing communities all along the

coast of Maine.

“We need each other,” he says. “It

takes many lobster fi shermen, many

harbors, to support what we do here.

Th ey are all my partners.”

Exports continued from page 15

er. NEFSC


In the

NEWSRED TIDE THREAT MODEST AGAIN THIS YEAR

New England’s spring and summer

red tides will be similar to those of

the past three years, according to the

2015 Gulf of Maine red tide seasonal

forecast. Th e forecast is the eighth

such forecast issued by scientists

from the Woods Hole Oceanographic

Institution and North Carolina State

University.

Red tide, a type of harmful algal bloom

caused by the alga Alexandrium

fundyense, produces a toxin that can

lead to paralytic shellfi sh poison-

ing, which can result in serious or

even fatal illness in humans who eat

contaminated shellfi sh. In 2005, an

unusually large red tide event caused

$23 million in lost shellfi sh sales in

Massachusetts and Maine.

Woods Hole scientists will also

maintain three robotic sensors

called environmental sample pro-

cessors (ESPs) at locations along

the Maine coast throughout the

spring and summer. Th is is the

fi rst year the Maine Department

of Marine Resources (DMR) will

provide direct measurements of

shellfi sh toxicity to researchers for

comparison with ESP estimates in

order to predict toxicity in shellfi sh.

MENHADEN QUOTA UP SLIGHTLY

Th is spring the Atlantic States Marine

Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) in-

creased the quota for menhaden by

10 percent. Th e total allowable catch

was set at 187,880 metric tons for

2015 and 2016, up from 170,800 tons

for the past two years.

In 2012 the ASMFC reported the

stock of menhaden was experiencing

overfi shing and instituted a 20-per-

cent reduction of the harvest. Earlier

this year however, they reversed their

opinion based on the 2014 stock as-

sessment. Th e Commission found the

fi sh’s spawning stock was near record

levels and above historic averages.

NEW SIZE LIMIT ON STRIPED BASS

A new size limit on striped bass

took eff ect in May, restricting Maine

fi shermen to one fi sh per day, 28

inches or greater. Th e new limit is

in response to an addendum to the

interstate striped bass fi shery man-

agement plan approved last year by

the ASMFC, which directed coastal

states to reduce the harvest of striped

bass by at least 25 percent beginning

in 2015.

Maine has a year-round recrea-

tional-only striped bass fi shery.

Th ere are special regulations in ef-

fect from December 1 through June

in the Kennebec, Sheepscot and

Androscoggin Rivers and tributaries.

Th e state’s previous daily bag limit

also allowed recreational fi shermen

to keep one striped bass from 20 to 26

inches long, or greater than 40 inches.

PROMOTION IN MARINE PATROL BUREAU

Dan White, who has served as a

Sergeant in the Maine Marine Patrol

since 2011, was promoted in May

to Lieutenant of Division I, which

stretches from Kittery to the St.

George River. Lieutenant White re-

places Major Rene Cloutier who was

promoted to Major earlier this year.

Lieutenant White began his career

with the Marine Patrol in 1997, serv-

ing as an Offi cer in the Bristol and

Bremen area for nearly fi fteen years.

His duties included operating patrol

vessels in the mid-coast area in addi-

tion to conducting patrols by land.

In 2011, he received a promo-

tion to Sergeant where he super-

vised, trained, directed and evalu-

ated Marine Patrol Offi cers and

Specialists. His responsibilities also

included organizing and directing

search and rescue operations and

overseeing and conducting investi-

gations. “Lieutenant White brings

in-depth experience as a skilled and

professional boat operator in addi-

tion to an extensive background in

supervision to his new position,” said

Department of Marine Resources

Commissioner Patrick Keliher.

NOVA SCOTIA 2014 LOBSTER LANDINGS BREAK RECORD

In 2014, lobstermen in Nova Scotia’s

LFA 33, the area between Halifax

and Digby, caught nearly 13.2 mil-

lion pounds (6,000 metric tons) of

lobster. Lobstermen from LFA 34,

the area around Yarmouth and the

Bay of Fundy, caught an estimated

55 million pounds (25,000 metric

tons). Th is is the most ever recorded

for these areas. While offi cial fi gures

are not yet released, 2014 landings for

Canada are estimated at 185 million

pounds.

Department of Fisheries and Oceans

scientist John Tremblay has been

tracking lobster abundance in Nova

Scotia for years. “Our commercial

catch of lobster is the highest we’ve

seen recorded going back to the

1800s, in LFA 33 and LFA 34, which is

southwestern Nova Scotia,” Tremblay

said. A variety of factors may be at

work. Th ere are fewer cod to eat ju-

venile lobster; climate change could

be moving the lobster stocks north to

colder water and in some areas the

government has increased the legal

size of lobster that can been caught.

LEPAGE TO VISIT ASIA THIS FALL ON TRADE MISSION

Gov. Paul LePage will be leading a del-

egation of Maine businesses and edu-

cational institutions on a trade mis-

sion to Japan and China this October,

with the goal of luring investment

to the state, attracting international

students to Maine schools and pro-

moting Maine exports, particularly

lobsters. Th e trade mission, organ-

ized by the Maine International Trade

Center and the U.S. Department of

Commerce’s International Trade

Administration, will visit the cities of

Tokyo and Shanghai.

Th e export demand for Maine lob-

ster has shifted from traditional

markets in Europe to Asia. Th e de-

mand is fueled by the growing mid-

dle class in China. Export fi gures re-

fl ect the growing appetite in China

for lobsters; Maine’s export revenues

jumped from zero in 2007 to $15.2

million in 2013. China is now the top

destination outside North America

for Maine lobster.

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Lemieux continued from page 4

June 1-6

Free Marine Safety Instructor Training,

Newcastle Fire Department, Newcastle. FMI:

(907) 747-3287 or www.amsea.org.

June 3

MLA Directors’ meeting, 5 p.m., Darby’s

Restaurant, Belfast. FMI: 967-4555.

June 8-11

ASMFC American Lobster Assessment review

workshop, Woods Hole, MA. FMI: mware@

asmfc.org

June 9

MLMC meeting. FMI: 541-9310 or info@lobster-

frommaine.com.

Searsport Dredge Public Hearing, 6 p.m.,

Searsport High School.

June 12

ASMFC Northern Shrimp Section and

Advisory panel, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Westin Portland

Harborview, Portland. FMI: mappelman@

asmfc.org

June 16-18

New England Fisheries Management Council

meeting, Newport, R.I.

June 19

26th Annual Fishermen’s Family Fun Day, 10

a.m., Stonington. FMI: Vickie (207) 975-9745 or

www.deerisle.com/calendar-of-events

June 20

Boothbay Harbor lobster boat races

June 21

Rockland lobster boat races

June 21-27

Boothbay Harbor Annual Windjammer Days.

FMI: 504-0242 or www.boothbayharbor.com/

windjammer-days

June 28

Bass Harbor lobster boat races

Upcoming

July 1

MLA Directors’ meeting, 5 p.m., Darby’s

Restaurant, Belfast. FMI: 967-4555.

July 4

Moosabec Reach lobster boat races

July 6

Jonah Crab FMP public hearing, 6-8 p.m., Casco Bay

Lines conference room, Portland. FMI: 624-6024.

July 7

Jonah Crab FMP public hearing, 7:30 p.m., Urban

Forestry Center, Portsmouth, NH. FMI: 603-868-1095.

July 11

Searsport lobster boat races

July 12

Stonington lobster boat races

July 17

Maine Beaches Conference, Southern Maine Community

College, Portland. FMI: http://www.seagrant.umaine.

edu/maine-beaches-conference

July 19

Friendship lobster boat races

July 26

Harpswell lobster boat races

• New 12” red gear marking and minimum trawls lengths take eff ect June 1, 2015.

• Lobster trap tags must be in lobster traps

• Summer hauling schedule begins:

You can only haul ½ hour before sunrise until ½

after sunset until October 31.

No Sunday hauling until August 31.

REMINDER: EFFECTIVE JUNE 1

Under the new rules, all buoy lines must have THREE 12-inch marks. Photo by S. Paquette.

ster to city slickers, they give consumers a “Downeast feel in the downtown hustle.” Each location

has lobster gear and symbols of the industry’s sustainability practices, like gauges and gear vents,

on display. In 2012, Dorr Lobster Co. began shipping each of its lobsters with a tag which allows the

buyer to trace the source of his or her lobster back to the fi sherman who caught it.

Leaving this important task to just a few companies is soon to change. Weber Shandwick, the pub-

lic relations fi rm hired to assist the Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative (MLMC) in marketing

Maine lobster, has given the MLMC’s marketing budget a strategic focus on the Northeast region,

on restaurants as large-quantity buyers, and on new-shell lobster as a desirable diff erence from

Canadian lobster. But what I was most pleased to see in the marketing strategy shared at the Maine

Fishermen’s Forum was Weber Shandwick’s plan to shine a light on the “built-in benefi ts” of Maine

lobster. Telling a provenance story which draws on lobstermen as spokespeople and works with

them to broadcast the message is in sync with what consumers are looking for: real people doing

real work to produce an authentic food product.

As Maine Lobstermen’s Association president David Cousens said recently, “We’ve got a great story

to tell. We need to get that story out there because that story sells.” As a former lobster fi sherman

who has devoted her adult career to advertising and brand-building, I am extremely excited to see

the Maine lobster brand professionally marketed to America and beyond.


Maine: Open for business.

All Maine, All The Time.

LindaBeansMaineLobster.com

Linda Bean’s Lobster Boat Cafe, The Maine Mall

Advancing Maine lobster into new customer markets.

FREE SAFETY TRAINING DRAWS DOZENS TO PORTLAND HARBOR

On May 21st Fishing Partnership Support Services (FPSS) partnered with the Maine

Lobstermen’s Association to hold a free safety and survival training for fi shermen at

the South Portland Coast Guard station. More than 40 people attended the day-long

workshop to learn about fi rst aid, survival suits, fi refi ghting, life raft equipment, and

more. Everyone also got a tour of the Coast Guard’s command center to learn how the

Coast Guard responds to distress calls.

Fishermen seemed most appreciative of the session about survival suits. For many,

this was the fi rst time they had tried their suits on. “Th is is the most helpful part of the

day,” said Hugh Bowen, a lobsterman from Freeport. He said it was his fi rst time in the

water in his survival suit.

Luis Catala, FPSS Safety Training Program Coordinator, said he was impressed with

the age range he saw at the South Portland training. “I believe we had an equal amount

of very young lobstermen as we did old-timers.” And, he continued, “regardless of age,

about 90% raised their hand when asked if this was the fi rst time attending any safety

training off ering. Th ese are great things to see, that we are reaching folks who need

this training regardless of age or experience level.” Photos by Sarah Paquette.

Working to create new lobster markets for Maine fishermen.mlcalliance.org/pdf/newsletter-june-2015.x14104.pdf · Census Bureau’s foreign trade division. “Th at’s pretty signifi

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